Chorus Urbanus Christmas fare

Johann Strauss' effervescent music together with the gentle tempo of Viennese waltz rhythms provided an exciting opening to the tenth edition of Il-Kuncert tal-Milied organised by Chorus Urbanus Productions.

This addition to the traditional Christmas fare of past editions was a very welcome innovation when it was introduced last year. It certainly added to the excitement of the evening and complemented the sumptuous elegance of the recently refurbished Teatru Astra.

Playing to a nearly full house, the National Orchestra under the direction of Mro John Galea gave a highly inspired and truly excellent rendition of immortal creations that included Mozart's intricate overture to Le Nozze di Figaro, with its moments of pure laughter transmuted into music.

The captivating pace of the Johann Strauss' Perpetuum Mobile and Auf der Jagd Polka, produced a crisp orchestral performance with a notable instrumental interplay being evident throughout. The clockwork precision of the rendering was commendable.

A hugely descriptive icon of Vienna's notable landmark depicted in the immortal An der schonen blauen Donau together with the delicate Frühlingstimme, better known as the 'Voices of Spring Waltz' was exquisitely performed by the orchestra, coaxed into that quintessential lilt by the conductor.

One could easily assess the heights and refinement of the National Orchestra under Galea's baton as soon as the first luminous moments of the 'Blue Danube Waltz' were played. The sunny elegance of the immensely popular Radetsky March brought the first half of the concert to a vibrant conclusion. Perhaps this Johann Strauss Sr. oeuvre is one of the greatest symbols of happiness ever attained in art. Whenever this march is performed audiences have always been enraptured by its tunefulness and the audience at the Astra Theatre was no exception.

A short poem recited by the Chev. Joe M. Attard, heralded the second part of the concert which saw the Chorus Urbanus take centre stage for its performances of Christmas carols accompanied by the National Orchestra. The stage design by chorister Joseph Cauchi provided a state-of-the-art backdrop with intelligent lighting projections that provided an intensely dynamic atmosphere.

The concert came to an end with a rousing performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah by Handel, a piece that is justly considered a choral 'cavallo di battaglia'. The long rounds of applause with four curtain calls were regaled with an encore performance of the Radetzky March that brought the concert to a sonorously rhythmic close 'alla grande'.