Choir to go a cappella

St Monica Choir will be experimenting with sounds in its first solely a cappella concert since it was set up 44 years ago.

Two a cappella concerts will be held during which the choir will be performing a number of works most of which are new to the repertoire and which promise to be a treat for all music lovers.

The repertoire includes classical, contemporary and spiritual pieces, as well as some original arrangements, by both Maltese and foreign composers.

The choir will pay tribute to Charles Camilleri by including his work Pacem in Maribus in the concert. Gioacchino Rossini's O Salutaris will be a tribute to this composer - 2008 being the 140th anniversary of his death.

Other pre-20th century compositions to be performed include Bruckner's Ave Maria and Hassler's Cantate Domino. A contemporary composition included in this concert's repertoire is Thompson's Alleluia first performed in 1940.

The first concert will be held on Thursday at St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, in Mdina and another performance will take place on May 17 at St Lawrence Collegiate Church, Vittoriosa.

Both concerts commence at 7 p.m. and entrance is free.

www.stmonicachoir.com