The first centenary of the demise of Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia (1852-1925), is being marked by Il-Hagar Museum, together with the Diocese of Gozo and Victoria’s Saint George’s Basilica and La Stella Philharmonic Society.
Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia was one of Gozo’s most eminent sons and benefactors, whose brilliance left an indelible mark on so many aspects of the life of the Gozitan community.
The museum said that he is celebrated for his extraordinary intellect, visionary outlook, and unparalleled talents. One of the local papers at the time of his passing had this to say: Few were the Gozitan prelates, after De Soldanis, who brought so much renown to Gozo through their wisdom and writings as Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia, known as Tal-Vers.
To mark this important centenary, Il-Hagar Museum, in collaboration with a number of institutions, is presenting this exhibition which focuses on three exceptional facets of Farrugia’s genius: his mastery as a sought-after orator, his brilliance as a composer, and his visionary work in design and architecture.
The museum noted that among Mgr Farrugia’s most distinguished musical compositions are the Triduum hymn Georgi Miles Inclyte (1878), the antiphon for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Hodie Egressa Est (1884), and the Vespri per la Solennità di San Giorgio Martire (1900) for soloists, a four-part choir (a 4 voci pari), and orchestra. Other notable works include the antiphon Beatus Georgius (1897) and Tantum Ergo in onore di San Giorgio Martire (1901).
Contributions in design and architecture include his involvement in designing the Church of Perpetual Adoration, commonly known as Ta’ Savina, the façade of the public library in Vajringa Street, the Bishop’s Palace at the Cittadella, the altar of reposition and the chapter hall at the Gozo Cathedral, the concert hall (later named after him) annexed to St George’s Basilica, and – among many others – the design of the gold-embroidered red velvet liturgical copes used during the celebrations of the Solemnity of Saint George there.
This exhibition will be inaugurated on Friday, the 7th of February, at 7.30pm and will remain open to the public until the 31st of March. The museum is located in St George’s Square, Victoria.
The exhibition can be visited during Il-Hagar Museum’s opening hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday (public holidays included).