The Gaulitanus Choir is deeply saddened by the demise of its resident pianist, Stephen Attard, yesterday at the age of 58. The only sibling of the choir’s founder-director, Colin Attard, Stephen was a founding-member of the choir, back in 1990 – together with his mum, soprano Lelina Attard (now an associate member). He has been a staple figure in the choir ever since, though, due to health reasons, he had to restrict his involvement during these last years, including the latest forays abroad.
Stephen was instrumental in the choir’s development, guaranteeing a most sensitive and secure accompaniment on the piano (or on any available keyboard). Equally comfortable in the classical and lighter genres (also with a penchant for rhythmic and jazzy idioms), this made it possible for the choir to straddle over a very versatile repertoire – whether sacred, operatic, classical or semi-classical. A few times, he also deputised for the musical director. Whereas the choir has performed a few of his compositions, he has also collaborated with his brother for quite some arrangements – very much characterised by his typical deft and colourful harmonies – which helped to give the Gaulitanus a particular identity.
Nevertheless, perhaps, he will be most vividly remembered for his ‘improvised’ accompaniments which, perfectly epitomising his creative style, were, at times, simply breathtaking – not least for the conductor and the choristers! This can perhaps be most adequately summarised in a comment appearing in a concert review following a Gaulitanus Choir concert in Berlin, Germany, in 1997: “the pianist created musical storms on the piano!”.
But Stephen was not just that. Though he never imposed his agenda on the choir’s admin, he used to regularly and very discreetly pass on his suggestions to his close friends in the admin, and not only at AGMs. Needless to say, as affable and generous as he was, he easily befriended (many times very silently) all choir members, and it was his pleasure to see harmony within the choir ranks.
Truly, it is very regretful that the choir will be celebrating its upcoming 35th anniversary less a face which has become very synonymous with the Gaulitanus for three decades and a half. Yet, it is not only the Gaulitanus Choir which has lost a key member, but the cultural sphere itself and, indeed, all Gozo. However, we hope that Stephen is now at peace, sharing his creative prowess within the realms of the Creator.
While we look forward to celebrating his life in style, we offer our deepest condolences to all the Attard family.
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