The Xaghra Local Council recently presented their Annual Christmas Concert at Maria Bambina Basilica, the concert featured the Chorus Urbanus Productions Orchestra and Chorus Urbanus under the direction of Mro. John Galea.

Following a welcome speech by Mayor Joseph Cordina, the Gloria et Pax Concert, got under way with C. Camilleri's Andante Religioso. In "Sonata per Tromba e Orchestra" by G. Torelli, Joseph Chirchop, baroque trumpet, took the leading role.

Archpriest Carmelo Refalo then made a short speech in which he thanked the Local Council for organizing the Concert.

The program continued with a selection of carols that saw the choir perform works by J.S. Bach, P. Yon, F. Gruber, O. Sperling, A. Adam. Soloists included Yvonne Galea (soprano), Joseph Aquilina and Mario Portelli (tenors) and Noel Galea (bass). While a collection in aid of the Community Chest Fund was making the rounds, Mro. Galea on the organ delighted the audience with Emanuele Galea's Sinfonia Pastorale on the magnificent basilica organ.

The program also included some more modern carols; "A Child is Born"; "We're walking in the Air", that saw promising voices singing solo work. The concert came to a climax with the "Hallelujah Chorus".

The Concert was to have been under the patronage of H.E. Dr Edward Fenech Adami, President of the Republic but he was unavoidably absent. The distinguished guests present were the Hon. Anton Tabone - Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Tabone; The Hon Minister for Gozo, Mrs Giovanna Debono; Hon. Members of Parliament Frederick Azzopardi and Dr Justyne Caruana with their consorts.

The Xaghra Local Council was led by the Mayor Mr Joseph Cordina and Mrs Cordina. Mr Ray Azzopardi compered the concert with his usual eloquence.

The Chorus Urbanus was in top form and its members' enthusiasm was indeed impressive. This was the choir's 6th Christmas Concert at Xaghra, and the general comments were thorough evidence of a remarkable comeback! The applause at the end of this magnificent concert spoke volumes.