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11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 12 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE TO mark the grand finale of its 25th anniversary celebra- tions, Schola Cantorum Jubilate is proud to present a special edition of its much-acclaimed event, Carols by Candlelight. Over the past fifteen editions, this Christmas tradition has become synonymous with the choir, earning recognition across Europe. Notably, in 2010, The Guardian ranked it among the top ten Christmas events in Eu- rope. This exclusive soirée will begin with a Christmas concert held in the Church of St Augustine. As in previous editions, the experi- ence will be a captivating blend of music, literature, lighting and projections. The repertoire will include classical Christmas pieces alongside contemporary compositions, creating a mag- ical atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. The choir will perform under the direction of Marouska Attard. Following the concert, guests will be treated to a banquet-style dinner within the historic clois- ter of the friary, beautifully deco- rated for the occasion. Exquisite food and fine wine will complete what promises to be another un- forgettable evening. Attendance is by ticket only. Those interested can purchase their tickets through Show- sHappening. Patrons are kindly requested to contact the organ- isers to reserve their dinner seats and to inform them of any food intolerances. This event is made possible with the support of the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, the Di- rectorate of Cultural Heritage, Arts Council Malta and Ogygia Catering by Vini e Capricci. Schola Cantorum Jubilate presents a special edition of Carols by Candlelight The Schola Cantorum Jubilate rehearsing inside St Augustine's Church A century ago, on the 25th of April 1926, the operatic world bore witness to a moment of his- toric significance—the première of what was destined to become one of the most enduring master- pieces in the operatic repertoire: Giacomo Puccini's Turandot. It is Puccini's final work, and, accord- ing to many, the last great opera of the grand Italian tradition. Left incomplete due to the com- poser's untimely death, Turandot was later finished by Franco Al- fano, whose completion remains a subject of debate to this day. Nevertheless, what Puccini be- queathed to posterity is argua- bly one of the most complex and original scores of the twentieth century. Set in an opulent, mythologised vision of ancient China, Turan- dot invites its audience into a realm of allegory and splendour, where cruel riddles and impos- sible choices are met with music of incandescent brilliance. Fore- most among its glories is the aria "Nessun dorma", one of the most widely recognised tenor arias in the entire operatic repertoire. The opera explores the intersec- tion of public persona and private longing, power and vulnerability, tradition and transgression. As with many of Puccini's heroines, the eponymous princess is im- prisoned within the strictures of her own identity, compelled to maintain an impenetrable façade forged by cultural expectation and societal pressure. Much like Tosca before her, Turandot is burdened by a role that affords her little solace, navigating a treacherous path between auton- omy and obligation. Joseph Debrincat will be con- ducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, along with a star stud- ded cast, and the Classique Opera Chorus, in this new production of what is often regarded as the last opera of the great Italian tra- dition, on the 30th May 2026, at Teatru Astra. This production is supported by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Visit Malta, NDSF and the Social Causes Fund. The Classique Foundation announces a new production of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot on the first centenary of its premiere Joseph Debrincat will be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, along with a star studded cast, and the Classique Opera Chorus, in this new production of what is often regarded as the last opera of the great Italian tradition, on the 30th May 2026, at Teatru Astra