A concert with internationally renowned singer Friar Alessandro from Assisi, was held the Parish Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Ghajnsielem. The concert, organised by the JP2 Foundation, was one the closing events to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Carol Josef Wojtyla and the 30th anniversary of the first Pontiff visit to Gozo.

When Friar Alessandro first joined the Friars he initially worked as a carpenter in the convent until the monks discovered that he had an uncommon voice, which soon became well known. He has recorded in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The JP2 String Quartet with the Urbanus Junior Choir under the direction of Maureen Zerafa, as well as the soloists, Soprano Yvonne Galea, Bass Noel Galea and Mezzo Soprano Hilda Grima, performed as guest singers.

Tenor Angelo Muscat and Soprano Ruth Portelli also took part in this remarkable evening which was under the direction of Mro Dr John Galea.Various works were performed during the two hours of this religious music concert, including the performance of five Hail Marys by Saint-Saens, Caccini, John Galea, Pietro Mascagni and Schubert.

Those present also enjoyed some excerpts from the pen of the Poor of Assisi such as ‘Dolce Sentire,’ ‘Make me a Channel of your peace,’ along with ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel,’ ‘Panis Angelicus’ by Cesar Franck, ‘Lord God of Abraham’ from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, ‘Forza Gesu’ – Versione Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano, the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ by Malotte and ‘Look at the World’ by the English composer John Rutter.

The concert was under the patronage of Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri. Present for the concert were among others, the Bishop of Tripoli born in the locality of Xaghra, Monsignor George Bugeja, who was in Gozo for a few days of rest, the Ghajnsielem Mayor Mr. Kevin Cauchi and the Counsellors and staff, together with various monks including the Guardian of the Friars Father Marcello Ghirlando, who was hosting Friar Alessandro in the Franciscan Convent in Ghajnsielem. Also seen in the audience was the figure of the elderly Father Dionisju Mintoff.

At the end of the concert Friar Alessandro thanked God and the welcoming audience, as well as Mro Dr. John Galea and the orchestra.

Mro Dr John Galea presented Friar Alessandro with the recently released CD ‘Il Cuore di Cristo’ (The Heart of Christ). While ‘Il Paese del Sole’ is one of the CD’s released by this Franciscan Friar.During his time on Gozo, Friar Alessandro had the opportunity to tour the island, which included a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu.

The JP2 Foundation said that the concert was made possible with the help of sponsors, including the Ministry for Gozo, the Directorate of Culture within the same Ministry, the Local Council of Ghajnsielem, and the Ghajnsielem Parish among others.

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