The Chorus Urbanus was invited to give a concert of sacred music to mark the opening of the Gastro Gozo Convention. This 1st Mediterranean Gastronomical Encounter in Gozo was organised by the Gozo Council for Culture and Arts within the Ministry for Gozo together with ‘Associazione Tipico’ of Abruzzo, Italy, between the 7th and 9th November 2008. The idea of the convention is that through a collaboration between the Island Region of Gozo and the Italian Region of Abruzzo, promotion of the typical gastronomical products of both regions is made.

‘Gastro Gozo’ is the first such initiative of its kind on the island. It brought together chefs, producers of typical products, tourist operators and administrators from both regions.

The Chorus Urbanus opened the first part of the Inaugural Ceremony of this convention with a concert of sacred music at the Gozo Cathedral on Friday, 7th November 2008 at 20.00hrs. The well-attended concert featured music by Palestrina, Arcadelt, Giardini Vella, John Galea, Haydn, Viadana and Caruana. The performance of the Chorus Urbanus was greatly appreciated by the numerous members of the audience which included amongst all the Honourable Minister for Gozo, the Presidents of the Gozo Cultural Council and of Associazione TIPICO as well as a number of distinguished guests. The favourable comments after the concert were proof of the high quality level attained by the Choir during the concert.

This first Mediterranean Gastronomical Encounter came to an end on Saturday evening with a special Gala Dinner organized at Palazzo Palina, Ta’ Ċenċ. Ten of the best chefs from the Abruzzo and Veneto regions prepared a unique gastronomical experience for the guests attending this event.