Save a prayer

Choirs from different countries and religions will be singing in one voice at the majestic St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, invoking peace among peoples.

The prayers for peace will be sung by choirs of various denominations at an inter-religious meeting forming part of the programme of the Malta International Choir Competition and Festival, which will be held between November 1 and 4.

The prayer meeting will be presided over by Archbishop Paul Cremona.

"So many messages get lost in translation, giving rise to confusion, misunderstanding and conflict," Fr John Galea, artistic director the International Choir Competition and festival's organising committee says. "Music does not share this problem; it is the only language humankind has in common, transcending all boundaries and reaching that place which goes beyond the human mind and its self-made tragedies. Experiencing people that unite in chant is very powerful and the energy you get when these singers of different creeds and beliefs hold each other's hands in song literally sweeps you off your feet."

The choral festival has been taking place in Malta for the past 18 years and, since last year, in collaboration with the Interkultur Foundation, under the name of Malta International Choir Competition and Festival.

"In their 14-year-old history of choral singing festivals organisation around the world, this religious ceremony is a first for the foundation," Fr Galea explains. "Our country has carved a reputation in international circles for its religious connections, hence the idea was born to bring choirs from different religions together and unite them in musical prayer and beautiful reflection."

The prayer evening is structured in three parts, with choirs singing individually, in groups and, finally, all together.

The repertoire is also varied but balanced to include pieces reflecting every religion represented.

"Beyond any power struggle lie two fundamental principles that need to be honoured if we are to live in peaceful co-existence and these are belief in a higher God who loves man and mutual respect. The inter-religious meeting is a celebration of this unwritten code," Fr Galea says.

The public can attend the inter-religious meeting at St John's Co-Cathedral on November 3 at 7.30 p.m. Entrance is free.