A unique concert of Gregorian Chants will be held at the Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre during Mediaeval Mdina in Mdina for two nights – next Saturday and Sunday.
The Cappella Gregoriana Jubilate Deo, directed by renowned Maltese conductor Christopher Muscat, will sing plainchant, bringing the splendid centuries-old chant manuscripts back to life.
The beautifully illuminated manuscripts from which the choristers will perform are now on display in the museum extension of the Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre and can be viewed by the public throughout the month of April. This new exhibition focuses on the examples of illuminated sheet music, illustrated by monks, which are intricately decorated and considered to be valuable high-art in their own right. The manuscripts shown here present only a few samples of the extraordinary musical life fostered by the Renaissance and the remarkable musical libraries of the singers. In addition, they give a vivid idea of the way in which public performances and high-art can enhance the cultural life of Mdina.
Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in western plainchant tradition, which extends back to the 10th century, both through the exhibition, the live performances, and to complete the 360-degree experience a Medieval menu has been specially developed at Xpresso Café on-site, created by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kevin Bonello.
According to Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre’s new website, which went live this week, the Cappella Gregoriana within the Jubilate Deo choir specialises in the singing of plainchant and, through continuous vocal and spiritual training, hopes to transmit the true spirit and intrinsic beauty of plainchant to its listeners. Gregorian chant is the main official liturgical music of the mediaeval Church, and the exhibits on display at Palazzo de Piro show sacred Latin texts that are traditionally sung without instrumental accompaniment (a cappella). Gregorian chants convey the calm, meditative atmosphere of church prayers.
The community now has access to a comprehensive website, in English, which offers quick and easy access to essential information on exhibitions in Palazzo de Piro’s international standard museum extension such as the illuminated chant manuscripts at www.palazzodepiro.com, and is part of Infinitely Xara’s on-going efforts to enhance the quality and availability of information about this heritage treasure.
The website has a modern, colourful design and is divided into seven lively sections that reflect the breadth of activities undertaken at the Cultural Centre. Each page provides detailed information that brings the events programme to life as a central part of Mdina’s cultural life. The website offers a variety of special features including subscription to a database for newsletters and a search engine, and its user-friendly nature provides visitors with more efficient access to the Cultural Centre’s resources. Other new functions include a photo gallery, access information, maps and downloads.
Palazzo de Piro encompasses the Mdina Cathedral Museum Extension, Xpresso Café, a gift shop and function centre. In addition, its Cultural Centre is the venue for premier national artistic and heritage events and exhibitions. Bookings, which are available from the Infinitely Xara team, are recommended for the Gregorian Chants concerts. For further information, visit www.palazzodepiro.com or www.xarapalace.com.mt