Although they are well known for the uniqueness of their annual Christmas concerts, this year, Gozo’s Schola Cantorum Jubilate will be doing something that is completely different, transforming their traditional carol repertoire into a free, pandemic-safe, virtual concert aptly titled – Song Reborn.

The concert will feature Schola Cantorum Jubilate, the SCJ Children’s Choir and the SCJ Teenage Boys Singers accompanied by the Cordia String Quartet and choir pianists under the direction of Marouska Attard. Renowned actor Davide Tucci will also be added to this wonderful performing team.

The choir explained that through the latest sound and light technology, including 3D mapping and an impeccably thought-out repertoire, Song Reborn will reflect on what has been and offers hope for what is to come.

SCJ said that Song Reborn will draw into the community experience, but also the self-evaluation generated by the pandemic and our rebirth as we adapted to this new reality. It will evoke the beauty and power of music to help lighten the burden.

The repertoire provided by the Gozo choir includes popular and other lesser-known carols, as well as a piece in Maltese. Some of the carols have been arranged by choir composer-in-residence Paul Portelli and by Emese Toth.

“We had a plan for the year 2020 since it marked our 20th anniversary, but the plan had to change due to the pandemic,” explains Stefan Attard, Choir Leader and Artistic Director of Song Reborn.

“Despite the limitations, we kept contact with our choristers and even started channelling our projects in a different way by using technology and going virtual. This time of silence was also beneficial in rebranding our choir,” he said.

“Without a doubt, Covid-19 greatly affected the cultural and creative sectors,” added Marouska Attard, Choral Director. “The postponement or cancelling of events left artists struggling, both economically and emotionally.”

She went on to explain that “artists got innovative and created different platforms to connect with the outside world and keep alive what they are really passionate about. This was the case with Schola Cantorum Jubilate – we could not quit – we continued singing through the storm.”

“For an artist, particularly a chorister or a singer, this is undoubtedly not the ideal situation because the virtual will never replace the thrill of the live,” Mr Attard said. “Interacting with an audience in front of you and exchanging emotions during a concert can never be replaced by technology. However, health at this stage is a priority!”

To ensure the health and safety of all, Song Reborn will adhere to all social distancing measures and to Health Authority directives, SCJ said.

The audience is being invited to experience the v-concert in the comfort and safety of their own private cars, with the option of connecting directly with a broadband channel and listening to the music from inside the car, all while viewing the spectacular 3D-mapping event.

Entrance to this open theatre is free of charge but booking is necessary. Bookings and ticketing are both contactless, using a specifically built app.

“The Italians says ‘canta che ti passa’… because when one sings, the pain is relieved. And Song Reborn is being launched with the aim of giving new hope through music for better days,” said Mr Attard.

The 45- minute, drive-in, virtual Christmas concert will take place at St. Augustine Square, Victoria, Gozo, with two daily shows, 6pm and 8pm, on 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30th of December.

Reserve a car space by clicking here, by sending an email on booking@scjchoir.com or by calling the ticket hotline: 79450950.

Song Reborn is supported by the Ministry for Gozo.

Set up in the year 2000, Schola Cantorum Jubilate has established itself as one of the affirmed choirs in Malta.

Schola Cantorum Jubilate said that it is committed to enrich the local choral scene with a high level of choral artistry; with vocal technique and musicology that lead to professional singers; as well as a drive to support the growth of choristers with enriching life experiences for the heart and mind, with particular attention given to emerging artists.

Follow Schola Cantorum Jubilate on Facebook, Instagram and www.scjchoir.com for updates on upcoming events.

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