The Schola Cantorum Jubilate are busily preparing for the tenth edition of ‘Carols by Candlelight,’ the annual delight for all music and Christmas lovers.

The Choir wanted to present a Christmas Concert with a difference and ‘Carols by Candlelight,’ an Australian tradition in origin, was introduced to Gozo. From the first edition in 2003, many Maltese have taken the opportunity to visit Gozo around the time of the concert, it is also very popular with the foreign residents of both islands.

A BBC journalist was among the audience during the seventh edition and a year later, close to the festive season, ‘Carols by Candlelight’ was included with the top ten European Christmas events on an article on The Guardian newspaper in the UK.

‘Carols by Candlelight’ is the Christmas event organised by the Schola Cantorum Jubilate. What makes this event so popular is the format of an evening of Carols, which then moves on to a Christmas dining experience.

The evening starts with a Christmas concert at St. Augustine’s Church in Victoria in a festive setting, always with a different theme from previous years, under the artistic direction of Fr. Joseph Bajada.

The repertoire always includes classical and traditional carols. Some carols have profound lyrics which with their simplicity narrate the Christmas story. Great composers gave importance to Christmas carols and left us a heritage which reaches one generation after another, always leaving the same desire: that of singing them in the season.

Some pieces will be performed a cappella, others with the accompaniment of the Jubilate Ensemble and others will be interpreted by soloists among whom are Albert Buttigieg, Charles Vincenti, Catherine Portelli and Marouska Attard, who is also the Musical Director.

At the end of the concert, the attendees, go from the church to the cloister where an art exhibition will be held in the foyer. This year, the young talented Gozitan artist Victor Agius will present a set of ceramic sculptures and mixed media works related to the Nativity.

The evening celebration continues with an dinner prepared by the Ta’ Frenc Chefs. This will be held in the cloister which again compliments with the Christmas spirit of the evening, with its unique comfort and decorations.

The organisers work with the aim of indulging all those attending in a memorable, spiritual and creative experience which helps one retire from the daily routine and go back in time, reliving childhood memories.

Moreover, all proceeds of this evening go to Guzeppa Debono Home of Ghajnsielem which caters for single parents and organises pro-life activities. The collaboration between two Gozitan NGOs like Schola Cantorum Jubilate and Guzeppa Debono Home, bring a single message: that of celebrating life as a gift and a miracle.

The dates for this Christmas event are Friday, the 14th and Saturday, the 15th of December at 7.30pm at St. Augustine’s Priory in Victoria, Gozo.

Only Patrons with tickets will be allowed entrance and it is advisable to get the tickets as early as possible since the space is limited.

Tickets are available from D’Amato Records Shop in Valletta and Bargate Bookshop in Victoria. Maltese residents who wish to stay overnight in the priory are kindly asked to book by calling on 79450950.

More information can be obtained from the website www.scjchoir.com, by sending an email (info@scjchoir.com) or from Schola Cantorum Jubilate Facebook Page.

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