The Stella Maris Philharmonic of Sliema, under the baton of its conductor Mro Michael Pulis recently performed its annual Christmas Concert at the Stella Maris Parish Church in Sliema. The Society with the collaboration of the parish priest and the clergy presented an orchestral concert, underlying the importance to promote local culture.
The orchestra was accompanied by singers Debbie Scerri and Aldo Busuttil. Debbie Scerri performed the Overture Sounds of Christmas with musical arrangement for the orchestra by Mro Pulis which includes various Christmas carols and O Mio Bambino Caro. Aldo Busuttil gave an excellent interpretation of Panis Angelicus, Adeste Fidelis and Tu Scendi dalle Stelle. The singers were greeted by several warm applauses from the audience who filled the church to capacity.
The Stella Maris Orchestra was a protagonist in its own right when it performed orchestral works including Prince of Egypt, Cavalleria Rusticana, March of the Three Kings and Roses from the South. The programme also included the locally famous and accredited Emmanuel Galea's Sinfonia Pastorale - arranged for orchestra by Mro Pulis.
In his address for this special occasion Dr Michael Falzon president of the Society which was founded in 1914, thanked all those involved in the success of the evening particularly the musical director Michael Pulis, the singers, the musicians, Dr Francis Zammit Dimech for his presence and continuous support, the mayor of Sliema Anthony Chircop and the presenter of the evening Tony Terrible.
He also warmly thanked all those present for their attendance which encourages the society to keep on with its commitment towards music and culture. Dr Falzon announced that the next major event is scheduled for 6 May when the society will be presenting an oratorio Marija Kewkba tal-Bahar to mark the 125th year from the arrival of the titular statue of Stella Maris in Sliema. Poet and professor Oliver Friggieri has penned this oratorio and Mro Michael Pulis composed the music for this unique and original work of art, to mark this special occasion for the Stella Maris Parish.
The parish priest Mons. Anton Portelli addressed all those present and had words of praise for the Stella Maris Band and the committee's untiring efforts in the promotion of culture. He expressed also praise for the dedication of the Society that organises such a concert which helps the audience to enter into the Christmas spirit a few days before Christmas.
The event ended with Inno Cantabile Lil Kewkba tal-Bahar composed by Mro Pulis and with lyrics of Chev. George Bianchi. The event came to an end with a spontaneous large applause together with a standing ovation.