The 14th edition of Carols by Candlelight

Schola Cantorum Jubilate was founded 17 years ago. One could find a full list of events, productions and even tours abroad that led the choir from one musical venture to another. However, SCJ has a special place in the Maltese Christmas calendar due to its unique event of Carols by Candlelight.

Carols by Candlelight provides the perfect Christmas outing for those who have Christmas and carols at heart. Moreover, it finishes with a lavish five-course meal and with a benign action for this time of the year – charity.

This year Carols by Candlelight has reached the 14th edition. The two soirées will be held on Friday, 15 and Saturday, 16 December at St Augustine’s Priory in Victoria, Gozo. Both events start at 7.30pm.

The first part of the soirée presents the concert that is held in the church. The setting is different each year. In fact, it is aimed to blend with the chosen theme, the church architecture and with the carols presented. The repertoire includes traditional and less popular pieces, while highlighting particular Maltese compositions.

Among the list of composers whose works will be interpreted are Rossetti, Gruber, Joubert, Head, Rutter, Yon, Galea, Pace and even musical arrangements by Willcocks and Portelli. The choir will be under the direction of Marouska Attard, who will also interpret solo pieces and a duet with Albert Buttigieg. Undoubtedly, there will be special light effects and surprises along the programme.

Once the concert is over, the attendees will leave the church and enter the cloister of the same priory. In the foyer, there will be an exhibition entitled Vision-Es by Aaron Formosa, a young talented Gozitan artist. The five-course meal, entrusted to Ta’ Frenċ chefs, will be served in the cloister. Surely these chefs will not disappoint the attendees, as their meals are always special and will add to the exclusivity of the event.

All proceeds go to Ġużeppa Debono Home that caters for single mothers and organises prolife activities and educational campaigns in favour of life. Tickets are on sale from D’Amato Records Shop in Valletta or Bargate Bookshop in Victoria. For further details contact the organisers on info@scjchoir.com or by phoning on 7945 0950.