The Via Matris Concert, held on April 9, 2025, at the Our Lady of Pompei Church in Victoria, was a deeply moving and spiritually enriching experience. Organized by Chorus Urbanus Productions , the event was a masterful blend of sacred music and heartfelt reflection, celebrating the profound theme of the “Way of the Mother”.
The evening featured an impressive lineup of soloists, each delivering performances that resonated with devotion and artistry. Yvonne Galea’s rendition of J.S. Bach’s “Quia Respexit” was a sublime opening, showcasing her vocal precision and emotional depth. Hilda Grima and Noel Galea followed with Th. Dubois’ “Stabat Mater,” a duet that captured the sorrow and hope inherent in the piece. Ruth Portelli’s interpretation of Pergolesi’s “Vidit Suum” was equally compelling, her voice weaving through the intricate melodies with grace.
Francesca Sciberras brought a contemporary touch with Lorenc’s “Ave Maria,” her performance marked by clarity and warmth. Angelo Muscat’s delivery of Rossini’s “Cuius Animam” was powerful and evocative, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Finally, Marisa Galea concluded the solo performances with Dubois’ “O Vos Omnes,” a poignant and reflective piece that encapsulated the evening’s theme.
The choral contributions by Chorus Urbanus were equally remarkable, providing a rich tapestry of sound that complemented the soloists. The choir’s ability to convey emotion and unity through their performance was a testament to their skill and dedication. The concert’s setting in the historic Our Lady of Pompei Church added an extra layer of reverence and beauty to the event.
Each choral piece in the Via Matris Concert played a vital role in deepening the theme of the “Way of the Mother,” reflecting on Mary’s journey and the universal emotions of sorrow, hope, and devotion.
Zoltán Kodály’s “Stabat Mater”: This piece beautifully encapsulates the sorrowful yet hopeful essence of Mary standing by the cross. The choir’s emotive performance highlighted the profound grief and unwavering faith that define the maternal experience. Hassler’s “Dixit Maria”: This choral work celebrates Mary’s acceptance of her divine role with humility and grace. The choir’s harmonious rendition emphasized the theme of obedience and trust in God’s plan. Theodore Dubois’ “Stabat Mater”: This composition delves into the emotional depth of Mary’s suffering. The choir’s dramatic interpretation brought out the reflective and poignant qualities of the piece, resonating with the audience’s empathy. John Galea’s “Tota Pulchra”: This piece is a tribute to Mary’s purity and beauty, both spiritual and physical. The choir’s performance was uplifting, celebrating the sacred and inspiring aspects of Mary’s character. Dubois’ “Adoramus te Christe”: This choral number served as a meditative conclusion, focusing on devotion and reflection. The choir’s delivery was serene and contemplative, leaving the audience with a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
Together, these choral pieces created a rich tapestry of sound that not only honored Mary but also invited the audience to reflect on the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and hope. The concert’s setting in the historic Our Lady of Pompei Church further amplified the sacred atmosphere, making the event a deeply moving experience.
Overall, this was a celebration of sacred music’s power to inspire and unite. It was an unforgettable evening that left the audience deeply moved and spiritually uplifted. The event was generously supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate as part of Easter in Gozo 2025, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural and spiritual traditions.
The Via Matris Concert was not only a musical journey but also a profound spiritual reflection, enriched by the contributions of Fr Geoffrey Attard and Chev. Joe M. Attard. Fr Geoffrey Attard’s reflections added depth to the evening, offering insights into the sacred theme of the “Way of the Mother.” His words guided the audience through the emotional and spiritual significance of Mary’s journey, connecting the music to the universal experiences of love, sacrifice, and hope.
Chev. Joe M. Attard’s recitation of poetry was another highlight of the concert. His delivery brought the verses to life, weaving a narrative that complemented the musical performances. The poetry served as a bridge between the choral and solo pieces, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the concert’s theme.
Together, these elements created a tapestry of word and song that resonated deeply with the audience. The reflections and poetry added layers of meaning to the music, making the Via Matris Concert a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of sacred music, thoughtful reflections, and evocative poetry showcased the power of art to inspire and unite, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
A special word of thanks goes to the Dominican Sisters and the Rector Msgr. Eddie Zammit.
(More photo memories will be uploaded once received.)
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