The oratorio “Guzeppi ta’ Nazaret” with the Gaulitanus Choir brought to a close the “Year of St Joseph” in Gozo.

Performed at the Qala Parish Church, the score gave life to a very well-drafted libretto which delved into various episodes from the life of the glorious patriarch St Joseph: from his betrothal to Mary till his death. These episodes are framed by a prologue and a glorious triumphant concluding hymn in honour of “the just man given to Mary.”

In the title role was Gozitan bass Noel Galea, for whom the role was originally conceived and who has appeared in all the three preceding performances of the oratorio, in 1990 and 2000.

Soprano Nicola Said very creditably interpreted the extremely taxing and very high tessitura role of Mary. Mezzo-soprano Claire Massa reputedly re-appeared in the role of the Angel as she did in the performance given in 2000.

Young Gozitan tenor Angelo Muscat appeared in the short roles of Gabriel and Jesus while boy soprano Sam Micallef completed the cast as the young Jesus.The Gaulitanus Choir’s rendition of the four contrasting choral numbers was well received by those present with loud applause, as was the performance of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Marcelline Agius – All was under the baton of the composer, Mro Colin Attard.

The performance was enhanced by a visual concept created by renowned Gozitan artist, Austin Camilleri. This provided different tone colours to the various episodes, while also exposing the aesthetic beauty of the Qala Parish Church as well Cali’s beautiful titular painting.

The audience, which gave a well-deserved standing ovation, was led by Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, Qala Mayor, Paul Buttigieg, and Qala Archpriest, Mgr Edward Xuereb.

The event was supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo, with the collaboration of the Qala Parish and the Qala Local Council.

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