Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1327039
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 JANUARY 2021 12 COMMERCIAL GOZO'S Gaulitanus Choir has done its bit to help brighten up the Festive Season for the community as much as possi- ble, while fully adhering with current Covid-19 regulations. It came up with a "Yuletide Bliss", a mini-series of three varied mu- sical events between Christmas and the New Year. Artistically directed by the choir's found- er-director Colin Attard, "Yule- tide Bliss" was supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo. The first event was held on Sunday 27th December at the Sannat Parish Church. Enti- tled "Strings in Concert", this featured the Gaulitanus String Orchestra led by Marcelline Agius and conducted by Colin Attard. Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", Jenkins's concer- to grosso "Palladio", Rowley's "A Christmas Suite", Beethov- en's "Adagio Cantabile" and Morricone's "Love Theme" from "Cinema Paradiso" were performed. A few prominently featured Marcelline Agius with her enchanting violin tone as soloist. The extremely well-re- ceived concert was attended by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri. The second event was held on Tuesday, 29th December at the Kempinski San Lawrenz. Entitled "Folk-Inspired: A Vi- olin-Piano Recital", this fea- tured up-and-coming Gozitan violinist Pierre Louis Attard and Serbian-born pianist Mil- ica Lawrence in a most atyp- ical repertoire consisting of a number of flowing and catchy folk-inspired classical works from different countries – some introduced locally by Attard himself. Works by US's Charles Ives, Poland's Wieniawski and Bacewicz, Spain's De Falla, and Malta's own Alex Vella Greg- ory and Stephen Attard were performed to the appreciation of an audience which filled the hall to capacity. On Friday January 1st, the mini-series was brought to an end with the 9th edition of "A New Year's Toast". Due to the restrictions and capacity regu- lations, this year's edition was held at the Ghajnsielem Parish Church. The concert was ded- icated to the memory of Do- rian Hendriks, a Dutch choir member who passed to better life a few weeks ago. It opened with a varied selection of vocal and instrumental Christmassy or sacred numbers performed by the Gaulitanus Choir's two soprano soloists, Anna Bonel- lo and Patricia Buttigieg, guest soprano Georgina Gauci and violinist Pierre Louis Attard accompanied by Colin Attard. The latter were then joined by a socially-distanced Gaulita- nus Choir for "A Yuletide Cel- ebration", a grand medley of Christmas songs arranged for the occasion by Colin Atatrd, with Stephen Attard accompa- nying on the organ and Colin Attard himself conducting. The choir's Christmas pro- gramme also included a car- oling session around Gharb's main streets on Wednesday 30th December, organised by the Gharb Local Council. The Gaulitanus Choir augurs a healthier New Year, with even more cultural events. The Gaulitanus Choir brightened yuletide with musical events Food hamper donations by the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta THE Maltese Association of the Order of Malta assisted many needy families, institutions and homes over the festive season. Over 120 food hampers were distributed by volunteers and members to various charitable institutions in Malta. In response to the greatly in- creased number of requests for assistance, caused by the current COVID pandemic, the Association, with the help of its members, purchased, packed, and delivered large quantities of foodstuffs and other essen- tial items, providing vital basic and daily needs for a significant number of families and indi- viduals. The Maltese Association was also able to assist ten children's homes and institutions to cel- ebrate Christmas with dignity, yet fully respecting the rules on social distancing. Thanks to generous donations in cash and in kind from members and cor- porate sponsors, we provided sweets, party food and gifts, ca- tering to a total of 180 children in their own residences. The Order of Malta remains grateful to its many generous members and benefactors who made this initiative possible. Photos credit: Lorne Cremona Over 120 food hampers were distributed by volunteers and members to various charitable institutions in Malta