As H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, arrived at the hall, a palpable sense of national pride filled the air. The resonant strains of the National Anthem immediately enveloped the audience, uniting every voice in a stirring display of patriotism and reverence. Each note echoed a deep commitment to the nation’s history and its enduring spirit, setting an inspirational tone for the evening.
Following this moving tribute, the atmosphere shifted to one of warm anticipation. With a graceful air of dignity and heartfelt sincerity, Her Excellency took the stage to deliver her welcoming speech. In her address, she celebrated Malta’s rich cultural heritage and underscored the significance of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Chorus Urbanus. Her words not only honoured the legacy of the past but also illuminated a forward-looking vision embraced by Chorus Urbanus.
The musical offering of the evening kicked off with Donizetti’s “Barcaruola” from L’Elisir d’Amore, where Hilda Grima’s shimmering soprano voice cascaded effortlessly over the flowing melodies, while Noel Galea’s resonant bass lent the number a grounding warmth . Their interplay set the tone for the night—a brilliant dialogue between lyrical finesse and robust expression pitted against the sheer energy of the choral force. This introductory offering not only delighted the connoisseurs of bel canto but also established an intimate connection between the performers and the audience.
Following this, the program transitioned into Verdi’s impassioned repertoire. “Tu Sei Bella” from Giovanna d’Arco and “O Signore dal tetto natìo” from I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata were rendered with emotional clarity and dramatic precision. Embracing the idiomatic Verdi spirit, the choral voices conveyed the weight of historical narrative and the vibrancy of Italian patriotism. The stirring “Coro dei Gitani” from Il Trovatore elevated the celebration with its bold, rousing harmonies that left the audience in a state of collective awe—an outright triumph of choral power.
The programme’s diversity shone further in Mozart’s elegant “Deh! Vieni non tardar” from Le Nozze di Figaro. Marisa Galea’s interpretation was playful yet refined, effortlessly balancing wit and vulnerability to evoke the opera’s characteristic charm. Her performance was delicately accompanied by Amy Borg’s sensitive piano work, which added an extra layer of intimacy to the piece.
Not to be outdone, Bellini’s soaring “Norma Vieni” from Norma showcased the festive punch of the choral forces, painting a picture of longing and passion that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Noel Galea returned later in the evening with “Il Lacerato Spirito” from Simon Boccanegra, a performance marked by a profound intensity that mirrored the dramatic tension of the opera’s narrative, reinforcing his celebrated vocal presence.
One of the more ambitious and multi-faceted segments was “Dal tuo stellato soglio” from Rossini’s Mosè. This piece brought together soprano Yvonne Galea, contralto Antonella Portelli , tenor Mario Portelli, and bass Noel Galea. Their combined efforts resulted in a powerful tapestry of voices, impeccably demonstrating the potency of collaboration against the layered textures and intricate choral harmonies.
Tenor Angelo Muscat’s rendition of “Recondita Armonia” from Puccini’s Tosca accompanied by John Galea on the piano, served as a moment of introspective beauty amid the evening’s more extroverted numbers. His robust tenor voice, imbued with subtle nuance, carried the fragile hope and deep-seated longing inherent in the piece, captivating the audience with every resonant phrase.
Chorus Urbanus president Karl Joseph Buhagiar wrapped up the evening with a heartfelt and eloquent address that celebrated both the legacy of opera and the promise of its future. In his concluding remarks, he emphasised the unifying power of the arts and the essential role played by cultural institutions in nurturing creativity and community spirit. He also took a moment to honour the MCCF with a special presentation, recognising their steadfast support of the performing arts and their contribution to this landmark celebration. His words resonated deeply with the audience, leaving everyone inspired by the shared vision of artistic excellence and cultural vitality.
The concert’s grand finale, Verdi’s “Va, Pensiero” from Nabucco, provided a stirring finale that encapsulated the spirit of the celebration. The choral ensemble’s impassioned delivery of this iconic anthem of yearning and hope evoked a powerful sense of unity and shared memory, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present as the final notes echoed through the hallowed halls of President’s Palace.
At the helm of this diverse and demanding program was conductor John Galea, whose precise yet emotive direction seamlessly fused the varied styles and moods into one cohesive experience. Under his baton, the evening’s performances radiated with a clarity and passion that honoured the monumental legacy of opera while also celebrating the unique milestone of the 50th Anniversary. The collaboration between the soloists, ensemble, and accompanist Amy Borg not only highlighted their individual talents but also reinforced the beauty of coming together to create art that transcends time and place.
The concert was more than just an anniversary celebration; it was a heartfelt homage to centuries of operatic tradition, reimagined for a modern audience in an ancient yet timeless setting. In a performance filled with both intimate moments and grand gestures, each note was a brushstroke painting a broad canvas of culture, history, and the enduring power of music.
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