St Lawrence Parish Church, Vittoriosa, is once again presenting The Joy Gospel Singers in a Christmas concert at St Lawrence Collegiate Church, on Friday, 26 December, at 7.30pm. The concert is being sponsored in part by the US Embassy.

The Joy Gospel Singers follow on the traditional Gospel music, so popular among many Afro-American communities, especially in the deep south of the North American continent. The singers enhance their musical rendering by expressive body movements, and solo pieces.

The 45-strong mixed adult choir was formed six years ago by Dr Carmel and Michelle Abela. Carmel is the choir coordinator and technical director of the group, while Michelle, the musical director, is also responsible for the musical arrangements, as well as direction during performances.

The Joy Gospel Singers are based at Santa Lucia Parish Church, where they gave their first public performance in January 2003. Ever since, they have established themselves as one of the leading choirs of Malta. The Singers are accompanied live by two musicians Avertano Grech on keyboard and Vince Saliba on drums.

In 2006 the Singers performed at St John’s Co-Cathedral during a celebration organised by the Malta Bible Society on the occasion of the launching of the Maltese edition of the Bible in Braille. In November of 2007 the Joy Gospel Singers were invited by the Malta Cultural Institute to sing during their monthly concert at the Casinò Maltese.

In August of this year the Joy Gospel Singers traveled to Ireland, where they sang during Mass in two different churches, and teamed with the local Lucan Gospel Singers to give a joint charity concert at the Newbridge Riverbank Arts Centre in aid of the Clane Red Cross Ambulance Appeal. In October the Joy Gospel Singers gave a number of performances in the annual Notte Bianca held in Malta’s capital city.

The Joy Gospel Singers meet regularly every Friday evening for rehearsals and social interaction. Their commitments include concerts, singing at weddings, participation in liturgical celebrations, and in other social functions.

The Christmas concert at St Lawrence Collegiate Parish Church will include some of the most popular Christmas carols and spirituals. The concert is being supported by the American Embassy. Entrance is free.