A unique performance in an extraordinary setting in Gozo is being staged on the 25th anniversary of Schola Cantorum Jubilate on Saturday, July 5.
The choir is presenting Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest ‒ a five-movement choral work that includes biblical texts from the Ecclesiastes and the Book of Job ‒ at an amphitheatre on top of Ta’ Għammar Hill, opposite the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, in Għarb.
Contributing to the event’s importance, the choir will be joined by the national choir, KorMalta, and the Orchestra Sacro Monte from Varese, Italy. The entire ensemble will perform under the direction of SCJ founding director Marouska Attard.
Described by the composer as “a prayer for both the living and the departed”, Requiem for the Living was composed over 16 months between early 2012 and mid-2013. Forrest notes the difficulty and depth involved in setting ancient scriptures within a modern musical context.
“This production is undoubtedly a remarkable one both from a musical point of view and even from the artistic one,” Attard says.
“By means of this Requiem for the Living, we are introducing contemporary music in the local scene that is somewhat led by the traditional and classical settings rather than contemporary ones.”
‘A 25-year journey’
For the choir, Requiem represents a “25-year journey”, one which they say has not always been smooth sailing, but “like a life cycle, reflects a metamorphosis marked by challenges, growth and milestones”.
“Some of us choristers have grown up, continued our studies and career and, alongside, continued developing our singing talents within SCJ,” choir member and coordinator Silvana Sultana says.
“The experiences we went through together helped in shaping more our concerts … to such a daring point − this Requiem for the Living on top of Ta’ Ghammar Hill,” she enthuses.
She says that their productions have consistently drawn a dedicated audience, who have come to expect “that bit more” from them with each performance.
“Some food for thought or an experience,” Sultana points out.
“This is after all our idea behind our musical endeavours − we want people to take something with them, maybe something unexplained but something that rekindles memories, a ray of hope and joy − even if this might be momentarily.”
As for Attard, she says this production is an important one in her career as a musical director, “one which I carry with a lot of responsibility”.
“Leading my choir is always an exciting and challenging experience, let alone also leading Malta’s national choir and the prestigious Orchestra Sacro Monte.”
The setting
The setting for this performance may be considered as remarkable as the music itself. From Ta’ Għammar Hill, audiences will enjoy sweeping views of Gozo’s rolling hills, village domes and the Mediterranean Sea.
Sultana says that the venue will provide an experience for all generations: senior citizens will have the rare opportunity to revisit Ta’ Għammar Hill – “a place etched in memory but not always easy to reach”, as optional transport will be available between Ta’ Pinu and the amphitheatre.
She continues that for youth, the walk uphill represents “an ascent − an adventure of movement and perspective, a chance to see Gozo from a place less travelled and to encounter music in a space shaped by silence and stone”.
As for children, “it will be a first − a quiet unfolding of wonder, a brush with beauty and an early step into the world of the arts”.
Admission to the event, which starts at 8.30pm, is free. Optional booking for transport is available from showshappening.com. Patrons are kindly asked to dress in colourful summer attire to complement with the joyful spirit of the occasion and the scenic beauty of the setting. For more information, contact the organisers at info@scjchoir.com or 7945 0950.
The production is supported by the Malta Arts Council in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, the Directorate Cultural Heritage, Visit Malta and CVC.
