It seemed that all odds were against the Gaulitanus Choir-organized “A Lunchtime for Valentine’s” on February 11th! The weather had been extremely inclement for some days; the concert had to be relocated to another venue – the Circolo Gozitano, Victoria – after the availability of the MGOZ’s hall was withdrawn at the eleventh hour (since the hall was being used as a collection centre for the Turkey/Syrian earthquake victims); and, worse than that, just a few hours before the start of the concert two of the three sopranos had to drop out as they were unavoidably indisposed.
This meant that the artistic director, Colin Attard, had to hastily reformulate the programme – whilst still sticking to the Valentine’s theme – that same morning. Surely, this could also be done thanks to the flexibility of soprano Anna Bonello, violinist Pierre Louis Attard and reciter Joanna Pullicino – who readily made themselves available to make up for the missed numbers. It was to their merit that the end result was a most charming, enjoyable and relaxing concert in the cosy venue courteously made available by the Circolo Gozitano’s committee.
Joanna Pullicino beautifully recited four literary excerpts. Anna Bonello showed her versatility, singing numbers ranging from Mozart’s opera ‘Don Giovanni’ to numbers from the musical theatre by Bernstein and Wilson and others from Ivor Novello’s best-loved musical shows. Pierre Louis Attard nicely complemented all by presenting light numbers by Brahms and Toselli as well as three demanding tangos. Colin Attard accompanied all and introduced the various numbers. Pertinently, all participants joined forces for a final number: Novello’s expressive love song “We’ll gather lilacs”.
Photo credits: Betty Bugeja / Antonella Portelli
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