Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530801
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 DECEMBER 2024 CULTURE THE much awaited Leone Grand Christmas Concert is on today at the aurora Thea- tre. Here's all you need to know about this production. The Music Conductor Colin Attard di- rects the Leone Band in a set- list of evergreen titles that offer an exquisite blend between sea- sonal tunes and carols and pop- ular classics. The Christmas Concert is usu- ally renowned for its frills and ruffles but the musical element comes in no way second-rate. A musical event of its own stand- ing, indeed. Somewhere in between a law degree, a foodie, a journalist, a writer and an avid reader, as well as an experienced globe trotter, Clara Sciberras also turns out to be a musical sensation. Maybe not much inclined to be a pop star, Clara is a star that shines on stage, more aptly in musical theatre. And that is why she is expected to blind all those attending with her sparkle in this year's edition of the Grand Christmas Concert. Philharmonic bands in Malta do not comprise a string sec- tion, but this year's production includes a violin virtuoso – in two amazing numbers – a pure- ly solo piece, plus an exhilarat- ing number in which the solo violin is accompanied by the Leone Band. For this, producers selected Pierre Louis Attard, one of the best violinists on the islands, in fact very close to home, we get the best one could find on the islands – incidentally so close to home. And what would a Christmas show be without a choir? The Leone Grand Christmas Concert will once again fea- ture The Aurora Youth Choir, the in-house junior chorus, in a number of heartwarming tunes that add colour and flavour to the evening. Whether it be an immortal Christmas carol, or a relative- ly unknown song, a good choir rendition makes it ethereal, and that's what the Aurora Youth Choir actually brings to the fold. The Magic Brian Rolè, an active interna- tional Maltese magician and il- lusionist, makes a full circle as he performs in Gozo, where he was born. A full-time professional ma- gician since 2000, he is one of the most popular magicians in Malta due to his regular grand scale illusion shows and various television appearances. Usually he performs with his partner Lola Palmer. He is a full member of The Magic Circle and the International Broth- erhood of Magicians as well as the Malta Magician's Society IBM Ring 202 the International Society of Magicians and most recently in 2020 the Society of American Magicians. The Host Matthew Sultana will play host, from selling you your tickets, to welcoming you on the night and sending you off with the warmest of wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. He will take those attending on a trip that involves humour, comedy and laughter. And some prizes that do not come without a fair share of stage-fright and/or embarrass- ment. Yes! In typical Christ- mas-show fashion, audience participation is key, whether it be singing or doing the fun- filled on-stage games. Kick off your Christmas weekend at the Aurora Theatre tonight Conductor Colin Attard Clara Sciberras Pierre Louis Attard Brian Rolè Matthew Sultana The Aurora Youth Choir