Chorus Urbanus and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) recently jointly presented two festive concerts, one at St Helen’s Basilica in Birkirkara and the other at St Joseph’s church in Qala.

This was Chorus Urbanus’ 16th edition of this annual series of concerts, continuing with its tradition of organiseing events in aid of local philanthropic purposes.

The Birkirkara concert was held in aid of the Richmond Foundation and the one in Gozo was in aid of Dorthese Ellis Foundation.

The highlight of this year’s concerts was the performance of John Galea’s Missa Ignes Charitatis, composed in 2003 for soloists, choir and full orchestra. The soloists for this Mass were soprano Yvonne Galea, tenor Charles Vincenti and bass Noel Galea.

The second part of the concert was dedicated entirely to traditional and original Christmas carols, including Galea’s Hodie Christus Natus Est composed for Chorus Urbanus in 1989.

Among the carols was an unusual but highly interesting adaptation of Little Drummer Boy that was interpreted by Hilda Grima and Amy Rapa, accompanied by the choir.

The concerts served to showcase some of the emerging and established talents of the choir.

Taking part in other carols were tenor Mario Portelli, who sang Joy to the World, the young Charles Buttigieg, who sang White Christmas with his rich and full-bodied baritone voice, as well as Angelo Mifsud, Marie Georgette Spiteri and Matthew Camilleri, who interpreted the traditional Maltese carol Ninni La Tibkix Izjed.

The concerts ended with Oh Holy Night, Adeste Fidelis and Ukrainian Bells Carol with the participation of Yvonne Galea, Charles Vincenti and Noel Galea.

Both concerts were very well attended and were patronised by various Members of Parliament as well as by members of St Helen’s Collegiate Chapter and of St Joseph’s parish respectively.