|
On the
occasion of the 1750th Anniversary of
the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, the two
parishes in Malta dedicated to this
Saint have organised special festivities
to honour their patron saint. The
highlights of these festivities were
however,
the performance of the new Oratorio
Laurentius that has been
commissioned for this
special occasion by both
parishes. This new
oratorio was composed by Mro. John Galea,
musical director of the Chorus Urbanus
on lyrics by Bishop Emeritus Nicholas J
Cauchi.
The premiere of this
Oratorio was held on Friday, 1st August
2008 in St Lawrence Parish Church in
Gozo. The concert was patronised by
Bishop Mario Grech and Bishop Emeritus
Nicholas J Cauchi, as well as by other
distinct guests including the Mayor of
San Lawrenz, Noel Formosa and local
councillors and members of the local
Clergy. The performance started at 20.30
hrs and was conducted by Mro John Galea
who directed the National Philharmonic
Orchestra and the Chorus Urbanus.
The Chorus Urbanus
featured prominently in this
Oratorio and has been rehearsing
regularly since last March. Soloists
Joseph Aquilina - St Lawrence - (tenor), Yvonne Galea
- Angel -
(soprano), Noel Galea - Sixtus - (bass), Pamela
Bezzina - Angel of Rome -(mezzo-soprano), Kevin Caruana
- Prefect of Rome -(baritone) and Ali Rieger
- Romano -(baritone) sang the leading parts.
At the end of the
concert, the Parish Priest of San
Lawrenz presented mementos to Mro John
Galea and Bishop Emeritus Nicholas J
Cauchi in recognition for their effort
in the creation of this excellent
composition.
A repeat performance
of Laurentius was held on
Sunday, 3 August
2008 at the Collegiate Church of St.
Lawrence in Birgu. This performance was
patronised by the Archbishop's delegate,
Hon Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, Minister for
Justice, The Mayor of Birgu accompanied
by his councillors and members of the
Clergy of the Birgu Parish. The Parish
Priest of San Lawrenz (Gozo) and the
Mayor of San Lawrenz were some of the
many guests that attended this
performance.
|
