The Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Naxxar hosted a memorable musical evening on Sunday night as nine Ukrainian women choristers travelled to Malta to perform a programme of carols and sacred songs
The Kyiv Baroque Choir, founded by Nancy Milesis Romano, landed in Malta in the early hours of Sunday after an exhausting 30-hour journey from Ukraine. But by the evening, they had mustered enough energy to perform before a packed audience, including members of the diplomatic and judicial community.
The event was organised by Fr Michael Agius, rector of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Naxxar, with the kind help of John Debono, the Maltese Ambassador to Ukraine, who together brought music, faith and community in a deeply meaningful way.
Romano’s presence set the tone for the evening. Her conducting was lively, expressive and full of warmth, helping to create an immediate connection with both the singers and the audience. At one point, she even joined the choir in singing while continuing conducting duties − a moment that perfectly captured her energy and passion.
The singers’ voices were truly angelic, filling the sanctuary with rich harmonies and emotion, and offering fresh and thoughtful interpretations of well-known Christmas carol in 12 languages.
Several of the pieces featured creative musical arrangements that gave the performance a distinctive character. The use of bells and maraca shakers added texture and interest without overpowering the voices.
One of the most moving moments of the night was Carol of the Bells, which the choir performed first in their native Ukrainian and then in English.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm, relaxed and genuinely homely.
Romano frequently exchanged light-hearted remarks with the audience, prompting smiles and laughter, while the singers’ heartfelt expressions and constant smiles made the performance feel personal and sincere.
The audience was also invited to take part, joining together in singing the Maltese Christmas carol Ninni la Tibkix Iżjed, turning the concert into a shared experience rather than a performance watched from a distance.
There were also moments of surprise and joy, including one carol that featured an unexpected collaboration with Djoeke Adimi-Koekkoek, the Dutch Ambassador to Malta, herself a soprano, who joined the choir for the song.
The evening came across not only as a concert, but as a celebration of unity, resilience, and goodwill, leaving many in the audience visibly moved as they left the sanctuary.
The event was co-sponsored by VisitMalta.