The New Choral Singers will be giving a performance titled Laudato Si, in aid of the Franciscan Conventuals’ new mission in India.

Laudato Si is a phrase that forms part of the Cantico delle Creature, a poem penned by St Francis of Assisi. The choir will perform a musical arrangement of the choir’s own director Robert Calleja.

This composition was premiered last month during the book launch of Exploring the Spirit of Assisi, a collection of sermons by the late Franciscan Fr Maximillian Mizzi – the sermons are being published to mark the fifth anniversary of Fr Mizzi’s death.

The repertoire for this concert is a selection of sacred compositions, some of which are being performed by the choir for the first time. Besides the Cantico delle Creature, the Franciscan theme of the concert is also reflected in the choir’s performance of Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna by Donavan.

This composition also forms part of the soundtrack of Franco Zeffirelli’s 1972 film bearing the same title. Other items being performed include Sicut Cervus by Giovanni Pierluigi Palestrina, Johann S. Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and the Regina Coeli by Ignaz Reimann. Accompanying the choir on the piano are Shirley Helleur and Irina Fedcenko-Carbonaro.

Entrance to the concert is free. However, a retiring collection in aid of the Franciscans’ mission in India will be greatly appreciated.

Laudato Si is being held on Thursday at 7.30pm at the Church of St Francis of Assisi at Ta’ Paris, Birkirkara.

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