Il‑Kuncert tal‑Milied (Feel the Magic of Christmas) featuring Chorus Urbanus, Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir and the Urbanus Festive Orchestra returned this year with a renewed sense of splendour, drawing a full audience into an evening where musical craftsmanship and festive warmth blended seamlessly. Under the assured and expressive direction of Dr John Galea, the combined forces delivered a programme that honoured tradition while embracing contemporary colour.
The evening was further distinguished by the presence of H.E. The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, alongside The Hon. Minister for Gozo and Planning and Mrs Camilleri, The Mayor of Victoria, Mr Brian Azzopardi, and Hon. Alex Perici Calascione and ex-Speaker of the House Mr Anton Tabone. Also in attendance were several esteemed figures, including the choir’s founder Msgr Joseph Gauci, ex‑President Mro Carmel Peter Grech, Mr George Borg Sr., President ad vitam; Msgr Joseph Farrugia ex-Archpriestr and Canon George Frendo, as well as representatives of the concert’s valued corporate sponsors, APS Bank and Michael Grech Financial, and Victoria Local Council, whose tangible support continues to elevate this annual celebration.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The concert was ably compered by Abigail Micallef. The Choir’s President Mr Karl Joseph Buhagiar delivered a short speech highlighting the choir’s achievements along the five decades and announced the launching of the 50th anniversary publication.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The concert opened with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a majestic work that immediately set a tone of grandeur. The orchestra’s crisp articulation and the choir’s luminous blend brought out the jubilant character of the score. Dr Galea shaped the movement with clarity and energy, allowing the music’s brilliance to shine without ever feeling rushed.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The programme then moved into a tapestry of seasonal favourites. What Child Is This unfolded with a gentle, contemplative tone, highlighting the choirs’ ability to sustain long, expressive lines. This was followed by Saviour’s Day that added a modern, uplifting contrast, performed with rhythmic vitality and a sense of communal joy. Both choirs then regaled the audience with the iconic Carol of the Bells that showcased precision and sparkle, where its cascading motifs were handled with impressive discipline.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The Chorus Urbanus Juniors brought a touching innocence to The Little Drummer Boy, their unified sound and confident delivery earning warm applause as the music counterpointed chant-inspired lines and vocal backing by Chorus Urbanus. The performance of the beloved Maltese lullaby “Ninni la tibkix iżjed” was especially moving—simple, heartfelt, and beautifully phrased, where the conductor also cued the audience to join in the singing of our national carol. The spirit of celebration climaxed with Adeste Fideles, that delivered with stately warmth and a full-bodied choral sound ending the first part with impressive resonance. A poem recital of ‘L-Aqwa Festa regghet maghna – Il-Milied’ by Chev. Joe M. Attard was warmly received by the audience while a collection was made on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The collected sum will be presented to the President during L-Istrina. 
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The second part of the concert opened with For Him All Stars Have Shown, performed eloquently with shimmering and delicate orchestral colour accompaniment. The choir’s balance and diction were exemplary in For the Beauty of the Earth with its lilting melodic lines. In contrast When Love Was Born offered a tender, intimate moment in the programme, sung by the treble voices of the Chorus Urbanus under the direction of Ms Hilda Grima. The next choral offering was the refreshing and optimistic piece New Year that added a forward-looking note to the evening.
No Christmas concert feels complete without O Holy Night, and this rendition of treble voices and SATB setting did not disappoint. The treble lines soared with emotional depth, supported by a rich choral backdrop and sensitive orchestral accompaniment.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
After this final number, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, delivered a warm address on this Golden Jubilee Concert. After her appreciative speech, the President was presented with the 50th anniversary commemorative publication: Chorus Urbanus – 50 Years of Service to Music, Liturgy and Culture. A silver icon depicting the Mattia Preti’s titular painting was presented to President Spiteri Debono. Photo CreditP
Photo credit: OPR
Other presentations were given to four members : Mr. and Mrs George Borg, Mr Joseph Buhagiar and ~Mrs. Yvonne Galea. These four members formed part of the choir’s foundation fifty years ago. These four members have given uninterrupted choral service for half a century!
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
The evening concluded with the triumphant and radiant Hallelujah Chorus – a fitting finale that brought performers and audience together in a shared sense of celebration. The choir’s articulation was crisp, the orchestra vibrant, and Dr Galea’s direction confident and exultant. It was a moment that encapsulated the concert’s spirit: joyful, communal, and musically uplifting where the audience stood up as has been the tradition ever since it was first performed during Handel’s time.
Photo Credit: Joseph Attard
Il‑Kuncert tal‑Milied 2025 (28th edition) proved once again why it remains a cherished fixture in the festive calendar. With polished performances, thoughtful programming, and the unmistakable enthusiasm of both seasoned choristers and young voices, the evening offered not just entertainment but a heartfelt reminder of the beauty and unity that music brings to the Christmas season.
Photo Credit: MGOZ
We are indeed grateful for the generous support of Arts Council Malta, Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Cultural Heritage Directorate (Gozo), Victoria Local Council, APS Bank, Michael Grech Financial, CVC Media House, La Stella Philharmonic Society, St George’s Basilica and Legion of Mary.
0 Comments