APS Bank has launched the much awaited ‘Stabat Mater’ CD at Robert Samut Hall in Floriana. Composed by Christopher Muscat and performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself, the cd was recorded in Malta in what was probably the largest recording session ever held on the islands.
This CD, which was recorded by Studio 7 and produced by Bulgarian record label Gega New, is the result of the second national music competition organised by APS Bank for local composers.
Muscat’s entry was declared winner of the sacred oratorio-type work setting the Latin text of the Stabat Mater, scored for soprano, cantor, choir and orchestra.
APS Bank offered Muscat the opportunity to have his work performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Santa Monica Choir and the Jubilate Deo Choir in a concert at the St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina. The concert, which was a huge success, was held last November.
Moreover, the Bank also sponsored the professional recording of the Stabat Mater. The recording was held at Xara Lodge which was transformed in a huge recording studio.
E.P. Delia, APS Bank Chairman said that the Bank is proud to support Malta’s cultural heritage while also promoting the talents of local composers by presenting them with such opportunities. He said that since 2001, APS Bank has produced 15 CDs, all of which were professionally produced and recorded by Bulgarian record label Gega New.
APS Bank Chairman together with MPO Chairman Sigmund Mifsud jointly presented 250 copies of the ‘Stabat Mater’ CD to President George Abela on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
Dr. Abela praised the initiative of APS Bank and the support it is giving to local talent. He also thanked the Bank and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for their donation, which will be sold by the Malta Community Chest Fund, and therefore be of aid to those who are facing difficult, life treating situations.
Christopher Muscat said that such opportunities are rare to find. He said that it is an honour for him to win the competition and to have his work recorded on CD and having it performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra along with two reputable choirs.
The Chairman of the Music Competition Adjudicating Board, Mr. Joe Vella Bondin, said that the process of reviewing the entries has been performed in a professional manner, and provided each composer with related feedback. He said that in two years’ time, APS Bank will also be organizing the performance of another Maltese composer who was just 17 years old when he submitted his entry.
Excerpts of the recording sessions and concert, as well as comments by Muscat can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR9pK4LVfWI&list=UU_gD-YRsIWV76LvzuCAkrQw&feature=c4-overview
The concert has been filmed by PBS and will be broadcasted in its entirety on TVM this year.