On Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 8pm, St John's Co-Cathedral will proudly welcome the Schola Cantorum Venerandae Fabricae of Milan for Cantate Domino Canticum Novum, a concert celebrating the timeless beauty of sacred choral music under the direction of the distinguished Maestro Massimo Palombella.
Hosted within the magnificent setting of St John's Co-Cathedral, the concert represents a significant cultural and spiritual occasion, bringing together one of Italy's most exciting sacred music ensembles with one of Malta's most treasured heritage sites. The performance reflects the Cathedral's ongoing commitment to presenting artistic excellence while fostering meaningful international cultural exchange.
Established by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, the Schola Cantorum Venerandae Fabricae was created to nurture exceptional young musicians and promote the rich tradition of sacred music through rigorous study, research and concert performance. Since 2025, the ensemble has featured prominently in the concert initiatives of the Scuola della Cattedrale, earning recognition for its refined interpretations, particularly of Renaissance repertoire.
Leading the performance is Maestro Massimo Palombella, one of the foremost figures in sacred music today. Widely respected for his distinguished career, he served as Maestro Director of the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir from 2010 to 2019, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and reconfirmed by Pope Francis. His work has received international acclaim, including the prestigious 2016 Echo Klassik Award for Cantate Domino. La Cappella Sistina e la musica dei Papi. Today, as Superintendent of the Musical Heritage of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano and Maestro Director of the Schola Cantorum Venerandae Fabricae, he continues to shape the future of sacred choral music through artistic excellence and education.
St John's Co-Cathedral is honoured to welcome both Maestro Palombella and the Schola Cantorum Venerandae Fabricae to Malta for what promises to be an inspiring evening of music, reflection and shared cultural heritage. Their visit strengthens the enduring bonds between two historic centres of faith, art and music, offering audiences the opportunity to experience performances of exceptional quality within one of Europe's most remarkable Baroque cathedrals.
The concert's title, Cantate Domino Canticum Novum - 'Sing to the Lord a New Song' - beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the evening: a celebration of sacred music that continues to inspire contemporary audiences while remaining deeply rooted in centuries of tradition.
St John's Co-Cathedral extends its sincere gratitude to the Schola Cantorum Venerandae Fabricae, Maestro Massimo Palombella and the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano for making this special collaboration possible. The Cathedral looks forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be a memorable and uplifting musical experience.
Tickets can be purchased from www.showshappening.com.
For more information visit www.stjohnscocathedral.com.