Chorus Urbanus Christmas concert

St George's Basilica last Sunday was the venue for the annual Christmas concert by Chorus Urbanus. The choir was accompanied by the Island Brass Ensemble.

The arrangements for brass and choir gave a slightly modern interpretation to the traditional carols.

The programme opened with a Christmas Fanfare.

Baritone Mark Gauci gave a solo interpretation of 'Neath the Dublin Skies and Pamela Bezzina, ex-member of the choir, sang Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

The choir gave a touching interpretation of Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed - they sang the carol accompanied solely by the harp played by Jacob Portelli.

The choir also sang Gloria de Noel by Oliver Sperling, which was premiered at Strasbourg Cathedral in December 2006 during a grand concert of 24 choirs from EU countries, including Chorus Urbanus.

The concert was attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Mrs Gonzi, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, Parliamentry Secretary Chris Said and Victoria mayor Samuel Azzopardi, among others.