Feel the Magic of Christmas – Il-Kuncert tal-Milied 2023

In a concert of Christmas favourites arranged for brass and voices including some new repertoire, the offering was good fun for everyone, from young and old. This year’s concert that was held at the Sacred Heart Sanctuary, Fontana, was excellently compered by the affable Chev. Joe M. Attard, who also recited the yearly poem that he writes for the occasion. Coloured flood lights spanning centre stage and the Christmas star hanging from the top, with floral arrangements and garlands (Flowers by George) provided a superb decor for the performers. Chorus Urbanus president, Mr. Karl J. Buhagiar, gave a short speech highlighting the choir’s achievements.

As always, conductor John Galea exudes a sense of welcome and bonhomie. His rapport with Chorus Urbanus, the Urbanus Junior Section (coached by Maureen Zerafa) and Urbanus Festive Brass ( leader: Jason Camilleri) was evident throughout the programme that included a premiere for this year, namely Jacob de Haan’s “Sanctus” and “Benedictus” from his ‘Missa Brevis’, and Kevin Norbury’s showpiece ‘Sounds of Christmas’ for the brass ensemble. In all the numbers, both the ensemble and choir exuded sensitivity to mood and genre, with the performances of yuletide music ranging from arch harmonic tweaks to lush choral arrangements. The breadth of material covered in this concert is evidence that Chorus Urbanus Productions take their audiences seriously. There is simple, familiar evergreen material, some unfamiliar repertoires designed to charm music buffs, music beloved by senior concertgoers, and a bit of Yule high spirits. As in previous years, this Christmas Concert also fulfills a philanthropic cause and this year, a collection was held in aid of Dar Bjorn and the sum of €465 was raised.

Ding Dong! Merrily on high (neatly arranged by John Galea) and Les Anges dans nos campagne sounded splendid and both carols were filled with joyous energy, vocal flexibility and a real ability to connect with the audience. The young choristers together with Chorus Urbanus admirably interpreted with respectful clarity of tone the Czech ‘Zither Carol’, followed by John Rutter’s ‘Christmas Lullaby’ and ‘Candlelight Carol’.

Outstanding for its uniqueness and the extraordinary sensitivity with which it is sung, was the ‘Ukrainian Bell Carol’ that came with an ardent wish by all those present for the end of the thorny conflict. Other meditative and heart-rending choral Christmas music included ‘O Sanctissima, O Piissima’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘way in a Manger’. The indigenous ‘Ninni la tibkix iżjed’ sung by the combined forces is a much expected yearly highlight together with the rousing arrangement of the stirring blaze of ‘Adeste Fideles’, bringing this year’s edition of “Feel the Magic of Christmas 2023” to a highly entertaining and satisfying sonorus close of excellent, full-bodied choral music, that is uniquely synonymous with Chorus Urbanus.

Special thanks and acknowledgements go to the generous funding by Arts Council Malta, The Ministry for Gozo, the Cultural Heritage Directorate and the Fontana Parish Priest, Can Simon Cachia.