On Wednesday 15th December, the Gaulitanus Choir was in attendance at Our Lady of Graces Church in Victoria, for a Christmas Concert organised by the Capuchins’ Friary. This was the first concert the choir ever gave at this church, as well as the choir’s first event for this Festive Season.
The choir opened the concert with two Marian hymns, Perosi’s “Tota Pulchra” and Arcadelt’s “Ave Maria”. Three local compositions associated with Advent and Christmas followed, namely Buhagiar’s “Alma Redemptoris” – featuring soprano Patricia Buttigieg and baritone Robert Xerri – and Colin Attard’s “Lejn Betlem” and “Ninni….Ninni” – featuring sopranos Annabelle Zammit and Stephanie Portelli, tenor Joseph Calleja and baritone Robert Xerri.
The concert continued with Wade’s “Adeste Fideles”, Goss’s “See Amid the Winter Snow” – featuring soprano Antonella Portelli -, and Gruber’s “Stille Nacht”. Soprano soloists Annabelle Zammit and Stephanie Portelli then interpreted “Mille Cherubini in Coro” and “O Holy Night” respectively, accompanied by the choir. The concert ended with Fettke’s joyous “Alleluia! Gloria!”, before an encore was given.
All were accompanied by the choir’s resident accompanist, Stephen Attard, with Colin Attard directing.
Chev. Joe M. Attard compered and recited a poem by himself.
Photo credits: Vincent Vella

