Six years ago, Schola Cantorum Jubilate, wanted to present a Christmas Concert with a difference…and the idea was welcomed by the audience who kept attending, year after year for the magical soiree of ‘Carols by Candlelight’. Each edition was always presented in different ways and probably that is what makes it so much acclaimed.
Historically, ‘Carols by Candlelight’ knows its origin to the radio veteran Norman Banks who organized the first-ever ‘Carols by Candlelight’ on Christmas Eve in Australia. As Mr. Banks was returning home after a late-night radio shift (in 1937), he noticed an elderly woman sitting up in bed by her window, her face lit by a lone, forlorn candle. She had a radio beside her and was singing along to the carol ‘Away in a Manger’. The following year, in 1938, Banks succeeded in motivating 10,000 people who gathered at midnight in the Alexandra Gardens to sing carols with a choir, soloists and a Band. The unusual candle-lit setting and the beauty of carols, instantly won the affection of the larger assembly and a new Christmas tradition was born. It spread throughout the nation of Australia and even worldwide, especially in England where a great choral culture exists, especially in the Cathedrals.
As you may know, in Malta ‘Carols by Candlelight’ was launched by Schola Cantorum Jubilate and the soirèe includes a Christmas Concert and a Gala dinner with proceeds forwarded to Dar Guzeppa Debono of Għajnsielem, Gozo. This home provides a residential service to unmarried mothers. Through the years, the home has expanded its service to meet the present day needs of this client group. A team of professionals and volunteers provides different services for the mother, partner and even their families. The home also offers short and long term fostering services and organizes pro-life activities.
This year’s, ‘Carols by Candlelight’, the sixth edition is being held on Saturday December 13 (Republic Day) at St. Augustine’s Monastery in Victoria, Gozo at 7.30 pm.
The Concert
The concert will be held in St. Augustine’s Church which is part of the Augustines’ Monastery. Behind the main altar of this church is a painting of the patron saint which is believed to belong to a school of Mattia Preti. The church is also endowed by a Mascioni organ which with its unique sound transports one’s mind to a solitary Benedictine monastery.
Like in all its concerts, Schola Cantorum Jubilate will interpret the Christmas Carols with that energy which makes them unique. The music of ‘Carols’ make faces turn into smiles and memories goes back to innocent childhood experiences. Who is that Scrooge who will celebrate Christmas without carols?
The pieces chosen for this year’s concert include some popular and other less popular carols. Some of which will be sung a cappella while others will be accompanied by the musicians from the Jubilate Chamber Orchestra. The repertoire includes, just to mention a few, ‘Adeste Fidelis’, ‘Joy to the World’, ‘Silent Night’, mainly from the well known composers: Praetorius, Davis, Gruber, Adam, Handel, Bartolucci, Rutter and even arrangements by Pitts and Portelli. The Director and Soprano of Schola Cantorum Jubilate, Marouska Attard will perform some solo pieces and a duet with Bass Albert Buttigieg. The latter is also assigned with the interpretation of ‘O Holy Night’. There will be also time allotted for some instrumental music which involves the organist on the Mascioni organ of the Church and the trumpeter. It is a Christmas dialogue between the two instruments which seem to be one of the Christmas concertos traditions.
The church will be decorated for the occasion, with flickering candles which will help create the magical atmosphere for this ‘Carols by Candlelight’. The setting is planned in a way to help the audience feel the spirit of Christmas…the religious, the social, the charitable aspect of it all…but surely with a different touch from the previous editions.
Dinner, exhibition and lodging
Right after the concert, before reaching the dining area, all those who will attend, have the opportunity to see an exhibition of Greek icons. The theme chosen will be closely related to the Nativity and to St. Paul since the church is celebrating the Pauline year. These are unique pieces of wood with hand painted images in Byzantine style. Most of the pieces featured in this exhibition will be also on sale. This is being held by the CAK (Centre for Animation and Communication) within the Franciscans Conventuals. Such exhibitions form part of their promotion of religious art. The exhibition will be open from 7pm onwards and the general public is invited to visit it, even those who are not attending for the event of ‘Carols by Candlelight’.
Then, the participants will be welcomed in the Renaissance Cloister of the Monastery where the banquet takes place. The cloister and tables will be decorated for this enchanting dinner venue. A delicious and genuine 5 course meal freshly baked by the Ta’ Frenc Chefs gets served and fine wine complements the evening. The guests can also enjoy the well-kept gardens which make the whole monastery respire.
Those who will be crossing over from Malta have the opportunity to spend a one night stay on bed and breakfast basis at the Monastery. The ensuite rooms had been recently refurbished and are usually used for retreat live-ins. Who could ever imagine spending a night in a monastery, away from the hustle and bustle of the hectic life!
Anyone interested in spending the night at the monastery should call for more details or bookings on 79450950. Regarding the tickets for the concert and dinner, one should go to D’Amato Records Shop in Valletta or else Bargate Bookshop in Victoria. To avoid disappointments, get your tickets as soon as possible since the seating is limited. For more details visit the choir’s website on www.scjchoir.com (e-mail info@scjchoir.com) or else call on the above mentioned mobile number.