The Concert of Sacred Music held on Saturday 20^th October 2007, featured the King’s Own Philharmonic Band and the Chorus Urbanus, a spellbinding combination of the best representatives of the symphonic band and choral genres of the Maltese Islands. Both bodies performed to a literally packed Our Lady of Save Haven’s basilica at St. Dominic’s Parish in Valletta. It was immediately clear that words would fail to transmit the experience that the audience had last Saturday.

The concert was held in honour of San Gorg Preca, Malta's first saint, canonized earlier this year by Pope Benedict XVI, and who was baptized in the same church. The concert marked also the 8^th centenary of the Order of Preachers established at Prouilhe and was under the distinguished patronage of H.L. Mgr. Paul Cremona O.P., Archbishop of Malta. The concert was graced with the presence of high officials of the Dominican Order, the Mayor of Valletta Dr. Paul Borg Olivier, various Members of Parliament and many other distinguished guests.

The concert opened with the Chorus Urbanus accompanied by the Band, performing St. Dominic's Popular Hymn Kalaroga, composed by G. Caruana and the newly composed Innu lil San Gorg Preca by Fr. Albert Borg O.S.A.  This short choral introduction was followed by Etienne Spiteri's Preludio that consists of the first part to an orchestral cum choral hymn in four movements dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Then it was Noel Galea's turn to share the limelight with his impeccable Lord God of Abraham from Elijah by Mendelssohn. His sonorous voice transmitted the necessary pathos inherent in the music. The King's Own Band also regaled the audience with an impressive performance of Handel’s famous Largo, which was performed with great subtlety of dynamics by the King’s Own Band.  John Galea’s conducting was very forceful and succeeded in eschewing the melodic cum harmonic nuances with the bare minimum of energy and movement. The rhythmic drive inherent in Lorenzo Perosi's prelude to his eponymous oratorio La Resurrezione di Cristo was well coaxed and handled in a way to achieve a veritable kaleidoscope of sounds and rhythms demanded by the inflexible conductor’s baton.  

The concert also included a highly informative speech on St. George Preca by the Dominican Order’s Provincial Patri Pawl Gatt and a celebratory poem by Fr. Edmund Theuma O.F.M. The last part of the concert ended 'alla grande' with three choral contributions by the Chorus Urbanus, ably supported by the King’s Own Band. Giuseppe Giardini's Salve Regina was originally composed in a 'canto e pianoforte' version which was offered as an exclusive gift to Ms. Mary Galea, John Galea's mother who was a renowned soprano herself during the 70’s-80’s. The solo part was delivered by Yvonne Galea (soprano).  The great melodic gifts with which Giuseppe Giardini-Vella was endowed were manifested in a highly polished performance that brought out the refined craftsmanship of contrapuntal textures. It was indeed a performance that was as deeply spiritual as it was emotional; a fitting tribute to St. Dominic’s fervent love for Our Lady.

Then it was the turn of Mro. Aurelio Doncich's Cantata a San Domenico, scored for the symphony band, solo tenor and baritone plus choir.  This hymn-cantata written in 1909 was revived after its last performance over thirty years ago. A rich harmonic inventiveness underlies the composition and this could be tasted in its entire splendor through the glorious punches of sound interspersed with moments of great lyricism. This richly harmonic composition written for the Band, choir and solo tenor and baritone was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening. The Chorus Urbanus gave an excellent performance supporting both tenor Charles Vella Zarb and baritone Joseph Huber. It must be said that Mro. Doncich served as King's Own musical director between 1908 and 1930.

The concert came to a superlative end by a brilliant rendition of  Handel's rousing Hallelujah from The Messiah. Special occasions demand this choral ‘cavallo di battaglia’ and indeed the concert  could not have ended on a more positive musical bravura other than this grand choral excerpt.  The audience present at the Basilica rose to its feet after the initial flourishes to continue the standing tradition linked to this masterpiece that was started by King George II. As the final notes echoed within the Basilica enclaves, a thunderous response from a riveted audience was a clear indication of the glorious vision of the performed music as if it had tasted the glory of God’s abode. The concert ended with the Omaggio alla King's Own by F. Gobet and the National Anthem.  The concert was compered by George Peresso.

At the end of the concert, the members of Chorus Urbanus were warmly congratulated by an ecstatic Archbishop, visibly moved by the infectious joy transmitted through their inspired singing. The Choir’s secretary George Borg presented a copy of the oratorio Il-Qalb ta’ Kristu on CD, featuring the Chorus Urbanus and music by our musical director to H.L. Mgr. Pawl Cremona.  Mro. Galea explained that this was a very fitting occasion to present this musical work based on the Mysteries of the Light, that were promulgated by H.H. Pope John Paul II, but more so because this was a recurring leit-motive in  the works and thoughts of St. George Preca, the saint that was being honoured.

More photos will be uploaded when these are available.