Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2009 » CHRISTMAS 2009 » 22 DEC 09 - CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN BASILICA
One of the Christmas highlights in Xaghra is the annual Christmas Concert presented by the Xaghra Local Council. As each year, the setting at the Maria Bambina Basilica decorated for Christmas added in no small way to the spirit of the Festive Season and guaranteed the success of the event. This year`s concert featured the Laudate Pueri Choir of Victoria under the baton of its director Rev. George Frendo. The repertoire comprised Rorate Caeli from the Introit for the 4th Sunday in Lent; Missa Papae Marcelli - Palestrina`s most famous work; Adeste Fidelis the hymn attributed to John Francis Wade; A La Venue de Noel by Louis Claude Daquin played by Joseph Camilleri on the organ; In the Bleak Winter - arrangement for Harp played by Jacob Portelli; an old Christmas carol A Great and Mighty Wonder composed by Michael Praetorius “ setting for 4-part female choir by Joseph Vella; the immortal Silent Night, present setting also by Joseph Vella; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen present arrangement by Sir David Wilcocks; The Holy Boy by John Ireland “ Joseph Camilleri on the organ; Once in Royal David`s City present arrangement by Sir David Wilcocks; Agnus Dei from Missa Brevis, soloist Dr Maria Frendo, first ever performance of Puer Natus Est composed by Profs Joseph Vella, with Hark The Herald Angels Sing present arrangement by Sir David Wilcocks bringing to a close a most enjoyable evening ably compered by Mr John Demanuele. Director, soloists, choir, organist, harpist and Profs Joseph Vella merited the long applause by the audience. Messages were read by Mgr Archpriest Carmelo Refalo and Xaghra Mayor Mr Joseph Cordina and a collection was made for the Community Chest Fund. Afterwards, expatriates residing in Xaghra were invited at the Xaghra Youth Centre for drinks offered by the Xaghra Local Council.
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