Gozo choir Schola Cantorum Jubilate (SCJ) is presenting CantaCaravaggio in celebration of its 25th anniversary, presenting an extraordinary performance where music, theatre and visual art converge.

Running for three consecutive evenings in May, this production unites SCJ, the renowned Ludovica Rambelli Theatre from Italy and the Elite String Quartet to bring the world of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio to life.

SCJ said that the response to this event has been “overwhelming” and there only a few remaining seats left for the 2nd and 3rd of May at 8.30pm.

Check for any available seats by clicking here.

For those who were hoping to attend a fully booked performance, please still reach out to the choir at info@scjchoir.com to be added to the waiting list in case any spaces become available.

For anyone who may have reserved a seat but can no longer attend, SCJ kindly asks to let them know – so they can offer the available spot to someone else waiting to experience this unique artistic journey.

At the heart of CantaCaravaggio is the tableaux vivants, a rare theatrical technique where actors meticulously recreate iconic paintings through stillness, expression and movement. Twenty-three of Caravaggio’s masterpieces will be portrayed live on stage, capturing the essence of his revolutionary use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast of light and shadow.

The Living Paintings

Each tableau is carefully constructed to mirror Caravaggio’s vision, with actors assuming the exact poses, gestures and expressions of his subjects. Costuming and props are crafted to match the original paintings, while precise lighting techniques replicate the artist’s use of illumination. The performance seamlessly shifts between these living paintings, creating an experience that is both theatrical and painterly.

Among the featured works are:

Judith Beheading Holofernes – A gripping display of tension and power, as Judith’s decisive act is frozen in time.

The Entombment of Christ – A deeply moving composition of sorrow and weight, as mourners struggle under the burden of Christ’s lifeless body.

The Beheading of St John the Baptist – One of Caravaggio’s most dramatic and monumental works, painted in Malta, capturing the brutal moment of execution with haunting realism and emotional intensity.

SCJ said that “while remaining true to Caravaggio’s artistry, the performance breathes life into his characters, allowing audiences to witness their emotions and struggles unfold in real time.”

The Role of Music

The evocative power of live music enhances the visual storytelling. As SCJ, accompanied by the Elite String Quartet, performs classical works such as Mozart’s Lux Æterna and Laudate Dominum, the actors move seamlessly from one tableau to the next, guided by the shifting tones of the compositions. The Elite String Quartet’s repertoire includes Vivaldi’s Il Favorito and Sibelius’ Valse Triste, further enriching the atmosphere.

The choir explained that “this performance presents a unique challenge for the musicians and singers, who must precisely time their notes to accompany the actors’ transitions between tableaux, creating a harmonious fusion of sound and movement.”

Venue and Reservations

The event will take place at the Ghajnsielem Learning Hub Hall, a lesser-known venue with striking architecture and intimate ambiance, making it the ideal setting for this immersive artistic experience. Entry is free, but advance booking is required to guarantee a seat. Reservations can be made online at scjchoir.com/upcoming-events.

Support and Contact Information

CantaCaravaggio is supported by Arts Council Malta, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and Planning and Agenzija Sapport.

For more information, contact the event management team at info@scjchoir.com or call +356 7945 0950.

Photos: SCJ

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