As part of the second edition of the Sliema International Arts Festival organised by the Società Filarmonica Sliema, the St Paul Choral Society will hold a Christmas Concert at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, Sliema, on Friday 7 December at 7.30pm.

The choir and organ will perform traditional and classical Christmas carols and selections such as Once in Royal David’s City, Handel’s Joy to the World, O come all ye Faithful, O Gesù Helwa Tarbija, as well as Italian, Polish and Czech carols. For unto us a child is born from Handel’s oratorio, Messiah and the Hallejuh Chorus will also be played. The organist is Elizabeth Conrad while Dr Hugo Agius Muscat will direct the choir.

Between the two vocal parts, flutist Silvio Zammit and organist Ramona Zammit Formosa will perform Concerto in F – La tempesta del mare (Allegro, Largo and Presto) by Antonio Vivaldi.

On this occasion several artistic masterpieces will be specially lit to be admired by art enthusiasts. The Sacro Cuor Church is in fact currently embellished by Giuseppe Calì’s works, among which are those dedicated to St Lawrence, Lazzaro Pisani’s several works as well as Mattia Preti’s St Peter in Chains. The interior part of the dome and soffit are covered by works by Chev. Paul Camilleri Cauchi, while the main apse is a fresco by Giuseppe Calì showing the Immaculate Conception and the dogma defended by the Franciscan scholar John Duns Scotus. Besides, the pulpit is the most exquisite construction in mahogany and bronze to be found in Malta’s churches.

Entrance to the concert is free. Patrons are invited to be seated by 7.20pm.