ASTRA THEATRE was the venue of the 2006 edition of Chorus Urbanus' annual Christmas Concert: Il-Kuncert tal-Milied, which was held on Friday, 22nd December 2006 at 19.30 hrs. This was the ninth in the series of concerts held by the Chorus Urbanus for this festive time of the year. This concert saw the Chorus Urbanus, after so many years, returning to Astra Theatre, a place where the choir had the privilege of rendering its voluntary service in innumerable occasions in the past.

The concert which was very well attended was patronised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Anton Tabone, the Minister for Gozo, the Hon Giovanna Debono, the Mayor of Victoria, Mr Robert Tabone and various Members of Parliament and other distinguished guests.

The National Orchestra of Malta took centre stage during the first part of the concert during which it performed various famous pieces from Strauss, so suitable for the jubilant mood of this festive period. The orchestra was under the able direction of Mro. John Galea, musical director of the Chorus Urbanus. The orchestra performed Die Fledermaus, Pizzicato Polka, The Emperor Waltz, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka and Radetzy March.  Later on in the programme it performed Chipmunk Christmas by John Bullock (arr. Josef Debrincat).

The second part was totally devoted to the Chorus Urbanus accompanied by the same orchestra. A couple of carols were performed mainly Ukrainian Bells Carol  and White Christmas, the latter sung by Hilda Grima, Ruth Portelli, Analise and Mary Xerri, Christine Camilleri and Gabriella Azzopardi, all members of the Chorus Urbanus. Yvonne Galea (soprano) sang Gesu' Bambino by Pietro A. Yon (arr. Josef Debrincat) accompanied by the Choir. Then the Chorus Urbanus performed for the first time in Malta. Gloria de Noel by Oliver Sperling, (arr. Mro. Galea). It is to be noted that this piece of music had only been recently world premiered in Strasbourg Cathedral on 11th December 2006, during a Concert held jointly by 25 choirs coming from all EU countries and in which Chorus Urbanus was representing Malta during this large-scale choral event.

Another highlight of the concert was A Christmas Festival, a medley of popular Christmas carols on an arrangement by  Leroy Anderson. Mro John Galea added two other famous carols to this medley, namely O Holy Night  and Adeste Fidelis. The solo parts were sung by Yvonne Galea (soprano), Mario Portelli (tenor) and Noel Galea (bass). The concert was brought to a rousing finale by Handel's Hallelujah  from the Messiah oratorio.

Before the concert, a collection in aid of Arka Respite Centre was held. Fr. manuel Curmi, Director of the Centre thanked all present for their generosity. The concert was compered by Chev. Joe M. Attard

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