“If the past years, that have seen the choir go from strength to strength, are a foretaste of things to come, then there is a bright future beckoning ahead for Chorus Urbanus!” This was the general trend of comments after the brilliant performance given by the Chorus Urbanus and the National Orchestra in the eight edition of Il-Kuncert tal-Milied under the musical direction of John Galea.

The Chorus Urbanus Productions, now a household name synonymous with wholesome musical productions, have striven hard to make this year’s concert a truly memorable one, befitting the celebration of the choir’s thirtieth anniversary since its official foundation and the 25^th anniversary of John Galea’s assignment as the musical director of Chorus Urbanus. This year’s concert held in collaboration with the Victoria Local Council and the Cathedral Chapter was held at the Gozo Cathedral on 21^st December 2005 at 7.30 pm. The church was so heavily patronized that some of the audience stood standing up in the naves!

 Apart from the usual musical fare of Christmas carols, the first part of the concert consisted of excerpts from the choir’s repertoire that included music by Isouard, Gounod and John Galea. The latter’s rousing Psalmus CL was being played the first time by the National Orchestra, although the Chorus Urbanus had sung it various times before. In spite of the fact that tenor Joseph Aquilina was indisposed, soprano Yvonne Galea deputized for his solo part at a very short notice, sailing gallantly and efficiently with her usual verve.  The Chorus Urbanus was impressive for the sheer power emanating from a closely-knit choral fabric. Similarly magnificent and impressive was the rendition of the Credo from Gounod’s Messe Solenelle in honour of St. Cecilia.

 It must be mentioned that the Chorus Urbanus proudly acknowledges the fact that it ushered in Mgr. Mario Grech in his first public appearance at the Gozo Cathedral, the Mother Church of Gozo and the Seat of the Gozo Bishop. Mgr. Grech patronized the concert wholeheartedly and delivered a fresh spiritual message suitable for the occasion. It must also be said that the new Bishop came to greet the choir members personally before the performance and even recited some prayers minutes before the ‘curtain went up’! After the new bishop’s speech, Chev Joe M. Attard read a poem “Ejjew Nadurawh” while a collection in aid of Arka Respite Centre was held. The sum collected amounted to Lm275.

 The second part of the concert consisted of a selection of international carols suited for the festive season. This saw the participation of the Chorus Urbanus Junior Section, Chorus Urbanus and soloists Yvonne Galea, Pamela Bezzina and Noel Galea. The soloists were impeccable in their hear rending interpretations of the nuances of the texts sung. The grand sound of the ‘big’ carols never fails to impress and this year it was no exception. The concert came to a triumphant close with the moving rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus with the audience standing up as is customary worldwide during the performance of this choral number from The Messiah.

 Charles Abela Mizzi, an eminent name in the broadcasting circle, compered the concert. After the concert, the Chorus Urbanus was treated to a reception hosted by the Archpriest Mgr. Joe Vella Gauci. A reception for the Chorus Urbanus productions officials and other distinguished guests followed at the premises of the Victoria Local Council at the Banca Giuratale. Mrs. Vivienne Galea Pace, the Mayor of our locality, hosted this reception.

 It is the ardent hope of those present that this concert continues to get the support of the Victoria Local Council and the National Orchestra. Chorus Urbanus Productions will be shortly convening to discuss the ninth edition of Il-Kuncert tal-Milied.