On Monday, 14 April, the historic setting of Capuchin’s Cloisters and Conventual Church transformed into a sanctuary of reflection and transcendent emotion with the immersive event Journey of Sorrow and Hope. The venue, steeped in centuries of sacred tradition, provided a beautifully evocative backdrop for an evening where each station of the Passion of Christ was reimagined to resonate with modern-day challenges—and ultimately, the promise of hope.
There were four performances, designed as a pilgrimage through momentous scenes, thus blending reflective narrations, acted vignettes, and soul-stirring choral numbers. Each station served as a portal, inviting the audience to traverse the landscape of historic sorrow and contemporary introspection. The concept was both intellectually engaging and deeply moving, as it reconnected an age-old narrative with our personal struggles and spiritual longings.
The journey commenced at the station of the Last Supper with the moving hymn One Bread one Body. There, the Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir’s clear, resonant voices in the Refectory evoked the shared communion of humanity, setting a tone of unity and communal introspection that promised a night of sincere reflection.
Moving into the scene of Gethsemane, in the surrounding gardens, the emotionally charged rendition of Stay with me (Taizé) enveloped the audience in a hush of meditative prayer. The choir’s understated delivery—rich in vulnerability and hope—beautifully captured the inner turmoil and steadfast plea for support that mark this pivotal moment in the narrative.
At the Flagellation station, in the courtyard of the Cloisters, the performance of Vexilla Regis, heightened the intensity with its lamenting strains. The acting vignettes intertwined with the choral outpouring, vividly portraying the raw anguish and physicality of sacrifice. The interplay of shadow and sound here was palpable, as the assembly was drawn into the stark reality of suffering and the inexorable human cost of redemption.
The emotional journey deepened during the Red Robe and Thorn Crown segment, within the steps inside the Convent. The choir performed O Sacred Head now wounded by Hassler. The careful staging and solemn vocal interpretation captured both the physical agony and the profound spiritual sorrow, leaving the audience with an indelible impression of the martyr’s sacrifice—a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of immense suffering.
The narrative then advanced to the heart-wrenching station of Nails and Lance, featuring John Galea’s 2-part Crux Fidelis (John Galea) specifically composed for the Junior Choir earlier in March. Here, every note was imbued with a sense of resolute sorrow that underscored the gravity of the sacrifice. The performance, rendered with both precision and passion by the choir, communicated the tragic beauty of sacrifice in a manner that was both haunting and redeeming.
In a moment of gentle respite, the Resting Place station offered the soothing strains of Jesus Remember me (Taizé). This performance allowed for quiet contemplation amidst the storm of emotions, providing a space for the audience to reflect on their own experiences of weakness and hope while basking in the serene, almost meditative quality of the music.
The evening reached its contemplative climax at the Our Lady of Sorrows station, where the ancient Gregorian chant of Stabat Mater enveloped the cloisters in an almost ethereal stillness. The Choir, under the inspired direction of Hilda Grima and Jamie Camilleri, created a timeless atmosphere of mourning and grace. The plaintive echoes of the chant resonated within the ancient walls, allowing the audience to collectively experience a profound sense of solace and spiritual communion.
Every moment of Journey of Sorrow and Hope was meticulously curated to forge a deeply personal and communal experience. Under the skillful direction of Hilda Grima and Jamie Camilleri, the Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir delivered not only flawless musical performances but also an emotional journey that penetrated the heart of each listener. Of particular mention is Giorgio Anici Camilleri’s soliloquies, together with other contributions by various junior members, blending poignant narration, expressive acting, and sublime choral music that elevated the evening from a mere performance to a meaningful spiritual odyssey.
Ultimately, the event succeeded in its mission: to bridge the eternal messages of sacrifice and hope with the immediate, lived experiences of sorrow and strength. It was a transformative experience, an invitation to pause and reflect on our own journeys in the light of timeless truths. In an age where art and spirituality increasingly intersect, events like these stand as luminous beacons, reminding us that within every moment of pain lies the potential for profound rebirth and enduring hope.
As the final echoes of Stabat Mater faded into the whispering stone of the cloisters, the audience left with hearts both heavy and uplifted—a testament to an evening where Christ’s historic passion and modern yearning converged in perfect harmony.
Special thanks go to to the Reverend Guardian Capuchins’ Friary, Jamie Camilleri, Beam Lighting and PROstage Sound team. This event is generously sponsored by Cultural Heritage Directorate.
(photo credits: John Galea)
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