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The Malta International
Choir Competition
& Festival
Festival of Sacred & Secular Music
29th October – 1st November 2009
Organised by
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
The Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism
The Malta Tourism Authority
&
INTERKULTUR Foundation (Germany)

contents
maps of malta and valletta 5
greetings by
Gunter Titsch 7
messages by
Dolores Cristina 8
— Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport
Mario de Marco 9
— Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism
organisers 10
…connecting bridges 11
artistic committee 13
adjudicators 15
programme 17
3rd malta international choir competition and festival
competition performance 23
jury and evaluation 27
participating choirs 29
musical pieces
laudate omnes gentes 35
All Creatures of Our God and King 36
See the conqu'ring hero comes 37
Hallelujah 39
choir singing in malta 45
maltese culture 47
musical calendar 48

6 th World Choir Games
Shaoxing / Shanghai
China · July 16 – 26, 2010
You make it happen!
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Shanghai
See you in Shaoxing and Shanghai!
Offi cial partner for the World Choir Games 2010 Shaoxing
Ask for special fl ight rates: mail@worldchoirgames.com
www.worldchoirgames.com

greetings by
Günter Titsch – President interkultur Foundation
On behalf of INTERKULTUR Foundation I
welcome you to the 3rd Malta International
Competition and Festival. It is an honour for us
that the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the
Malta Tourism Authority, and the Ministry for
Education, Culture, Youth and Sport support the
festival and that the Maltese team has worked so
hard to make the festival successful.
Especially, I would like to mention the
wonderful tradition that has been established
during the festival to have the great ceremony
“Singing for peace”. Representatives of the
different churches and religions underline the
importance of making bridges between nations
and denominations. The theme “Singing for peace”
adds wonderfully to the theme “Singing together
brings nations together”. This motto has been the
theme of all the INTERKULTUR festivals, especially
the World Choir Games, the Olympics for Choirs, that
have been organised by our foundation since the
year 2000.
There are so many wonderful ingredients in this
festival – the competitions, the grand concerts,
the friendship concerts, the religious services,
the workshops! All of them make the Malta
International Choir Competition and Festival shine
among the choral festivals of the world!
7

messages by
Dolores Cristina – Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
The Malta International Choir Competition and
Festival is one of a series of events that help to
bring culture closer to the people.
During the last days of October, Malta will be
hosting 17 choirs from all over the world. Four
other participating choirs will be from Malta.
Although differing in style, they share a common
feature, which entails singing with and for people,
to build an atmosphere of happiness. In a healthy
competitive spirit, these choirs share a unique and
enriching experience of sacred and secular music
through the transmission of joy and peace. During
these four days, we shall be seeing our capital city
and its surroundings transformed into one big,
colourful feast, synonymous with inter-culture and
creativity.
I would like to thank INTERKULTUR Foundation
and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism for
their initiative and dedication into making this
festive event possible. The Maltese nation deserves
to be regaled with these activities promoting
culture and participation.
8

Mario de Marco – Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism
various venues – both indoor as well as outdoor –
whilst on Sunday morning the participating choirs
will take part and sing in different churches all
over Malta.
The participating choirs and those
accompanying them have the opportunity to
taste the diversity of our Islands, steeped in
the immense cultural heritage, and most of all,
experience the hospitality of our people.
The organisation of the Malta International
Choir Festival – first held in 1989 under the
direction of the world renowned and beloved
Maestro Charles Camilleri who died at the
beginning of this year – is a concerted effort
between the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Youth and Sport; the Parliamentary Secretariat
for Tourism; the Malta Tourism Authority and
INTERKULTUR Foundation of Germany.
This year’s festival – now in its 19th edition – is
attracting 21 choirs from 10 countries, with over
600 participants that will compete and participate
in different categories of sacred, secular and folk
music. As in previous editions, we are taking
the opportunity to have these choirs perform in
Another important aspect of the Malta
International Choir Festival is its contribution
towards a closer tie of cultures between countries.
It will also help Maltese choirs – this year four
Maltese choirs are participating in the festival – to
confront themselves with foreign choirs and thus,
contributing towards the enhancement of Malta’s
choral scene.
This Festival is held in what is considered as a
shoulder month for our tourism industry. Indeed,
it is a sign of the commitment by government and
the Malta Tourism Authority to create events to
enhance the experience and offer value added to
those who choose to visit our Islands during this
period of the calendar year.
I would like to thank INTERKULTUR Foundation
for their support in the organisation of this festival;
as well as the Organising Team for this year’s
edition, without whose energy and commitment,
this event would not have become a reality.
9

organisers
PRESIDENCY
Günter Titsch
ARTISTIC COMMITTEE
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß – Germany
Gábor Hollerung – Hungary
Christian Ljunggren (leader) – Sweden
Rev. John Galea – Malta
THE ORGANISING TEAMS
Interkultur TeaM
Competition Office
Piroska Horváth (H/D)
Rossana Toesco (I)
IT service/Data processing
Ferenc Horváth (H)
Technical Assistance
Franco Attanasio (I)
Ludmila Kovalenko (UA)
Alessio Toesco (I)
MALTA TEAM
Peter Portelli: chairman
Rev. John Galea: artistic director
Doriana Bezzina, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport
Genevieve Abela, Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism
Martin Morana, Malta Tourism Authority: events co-ordinator
Alexia Maggi, Malta Tourism Authority: hospitality co-ordinator
Noel D’Amato, Malta Council for Culture and the Arts
10

…connecting bridges
T
he First International Choir
Competition of Budapest, which
was launched in 1988, was the start
of one of the largest and most
successful series of cultural events in Europe.
The name of these novel choir competitions and
festivals, MUSICA MUNDI, has since then become
known throughout the world for its high artistic
and organisational standards. It has become a
concept for the choir-orientated public, with
enthusiastic followers worldwide. These events
are organized by the non-profit organisation
INTERKULTUR Foundation. The Foundation’s
biggest success so far, was to bring the antique
Olympic idea to the choral world. The Choir
Olympics 2000 in Linz (Austria) were the start of
a Choir Olympic movement, which proved to be a
success story that was continued in 2002, in Busan
(Korea), 2204 in Bremen (Germany) and 2006 with
the World Choir Games in Xiamen (China) and
2008 in Graz (Austria).
The Idea
Meanwhile MUSICA MUNDI has become the
symbol for a unique artistic idea, which consists of
a new interpretation concerning the execution of
choir Festivals. In comparison to the meritorious
traditional choir competitions, where only those
choirs which belong to the international elite
compete, the MUSICA MUNDI competitions are
open for the first time to all choirs. Choirs from
all over the world that are interested in gaining
international festival and competition experience
can compare themselves with other choirs
according to their level of artistic achievement.
The artistic committee of the foundation places
emphasis on the presence of the highest level
of choral performers as well as on the presence
of the greatest diversity of choral performers in
all competitions. This new type of competition
has been copied by numerous newly launched
competitions in the last few years. With the idea to
organize the Choir Olympics biennial, INTERKULTUR
Foundation has opened a door to new impulses
and perspectives for the national and international
choral movement.
The Pedagogical Concept
The INTERKULTUR events are not just
competitions and international choir festivals,
they gain their competence and lasting effect on
its participants more and more by pedagogical
offers. In consultation rounds, for example, the
choirs have the chance to work together with the
international jury. They get advice on their current
level of performance, competent pedagogical
and artistic information and suggestions as to
how to interpret the chosen piece. In connection
with those conventions, seminars for conductors,
composer portraits and lectures are offered at the
INTERKULTUR events. Friendship and encounter
concerts reinforce this big emotional effect of
the international choir-meetings organized by
INTERKULTUR Foundation.
11

The Competitions
There are various categories for all choir types
and choir levels in different degrees of competence,
with and without compulsory pieces. They offer a
unique atmosphere, good competitive conditions,
intensive artistic contacts, various consultation
programmes and workshops, as well as practice
opportunities with international performers. More
than 200 experts and leading choirmasters from all
over the world guarantee a high level of qualified
competence in all INTERKULTUR events.
The Participants
In total, 5,000 choirs with 230,000 active
singers from 100 countries have taken part in the
INTERKULTUR competitions to date. It is interesting
to note that over half of the participants have been
children and young choristers of under 25 years of
age.
INTERKULTUR Foundation is member of the
German UNESCO Commission
Locations of Festivals and Competitions
So far INTERKULTUR events have been taking
place in various countries all over the world,
namely, in the People’s Republic of China, Austria,
Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy,
Malta, Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA.
12

artistic committee
Christian Ljunggren (Sweden)
Christian Ljunggren was born in 1942. He
studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in
Stockholm as well as musicology and theology
at the University of Uppsala. For many years he
worked at the Music Department of the Swedish
National Broadcasting Comp., responsible for
presentation and programmes on music. He is the
conductor of the Nicolai Chamber Choir since
its inception in 1974. He was the president of the
KÖRSAM, the joint committee of the Swedish choral
organisations from 1997-2004. He was the secretary
general of IFCM, the International Federation for
Choral Music, in between 1997 and 1999. He is
one of the artistic directors of INTERKULTUR as
well as artistic director of the World Choir Games.
He is the leader of the Malta International Choir
Festival.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany)
Ralf Eisenbeiβ was born in 1952. He studied
pedagogy, German philology and musical
education and received his doctorate in 1979.
He was appointed professor in the Franz Liszt
Conservatory in Weimar in 1987. He was also
lecturer at the central seminar for choral conductors
in Berlin. His renowned Pedagogical University
Zwickau Choir toured many countries. He often
appears as guest conductor both in Germany as
well as abroad. Ralf Eisenbeiβ is one of the artistic
directors of INTERKULTUR Foundation as well as
artistic director in the World Choir Games.
13

Gábor Hollerung (Hungary)
Gábor Hollerung was born in Budapest in
1954. He studied at the Liszt Academy of Music.
He has been the principal conductor of the
Dohnányi Symphony Orchestra Budafolk since
1989. He is also the music director of the Budapest
Academic Choral Society since 1980. Since 2001
he is the music director of Honvéd Ensemble
and conductor of its professional male choir. In
2002 he became principal guest conductor of
the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and musical
advisor of the Philharmonic Singers Tel Aviv. In
2002 he was awarded the Knights’ Cross Order of
the Hungarian Republic and in 2004 he received
the Liszt Prize.
Rev. John Galea (Malta)
Rev. John Galea received his musical education
at the Seminary and later with private tutors. He
attended Master classes in orchestral practice
and conducting in Vienna and at the Accademia
Chigiana in Siena. Between 1965 and 2000, he
directed the St. Julian’s Choir. In 1990 he was
nominated Musical Director of the Cappella
Diacono whose main activity is the performance of
the liturgical music composed by Carlo Diacono.
Between 1993 and 2000 he served as Maestro di
Cappella of the Metropolitan Cathedral and set up
the Cappella Cathedralis choir to perform during
the principal liturgical feasts at Mdina Cathedral
and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. During these last
years he was entrusted with the APS Bank project
for the realization, editing and performance of
religious music by Maltese composers, which was
also published in a series of CDs.
14

adjudicators
Chris Muscat
First prize winner of the Joyce Dixey (UK) and
the Jaume Dotras Serrabella (Spain) composition
competitions, Christopher Muscat studied
composition and conducting at the Universities of
Malta and Surrey, where he earned his Master of
Music degree with distinction. His compositions
have been performed in many important European
centres including the prestigious Berliner
Philharmonie. As a conductor Muscat regularly
conducts ensembles and orchestras in Malta and
abroad and is equally at home in both the standard
and the contemporary repertoires. Muscat has
been a visiting lecturer in music at the University
of Malta since 2003 and was invited to sit as
juror on various national and international music
competitions. He is also very much involved in the
field of sacred music and is the Music Director of
the Jubilate Deo Choir.
André de Quadros
André de Quadros is a professor of music at
Boston University where he has affiliated faculty
appointments at: the African Studies Center, the
Center for the Study of Asia, and the Institute for
the Study of Muslimic Societies and Civilizations.
He is the editor of numerous choral publications,
namely: Cantemus; Music of Asia and the Pacific; and
Salamu Aleikum: Choral Music of the Muslim World
published by Earthsongs; and Songs of the World
published by Hinshaw Music. His edited volume
Spice, Magic and Mystique: Choral Music of Southeast
and others (Germany). He is the conductor of the
Manado State University Choir. He is the artistic
director of the Tomohon International Choir
Competition and of Aswatuna – Arab Choral
Festival. As a conductor, speaker, clinician and
scholar, he has presented, produced, performed,
taught and undertaken fieldwork in over 30
countries.
Volker Hempfling
Volker Hempfling studied church music, organ,
orchestral direction and singing. He worked as
choirmaster, organist and director of sacred music
at the cathedral of Altenberg from 1972 to 1985.
He has also worked as director of church music
and director of the cathedral choir from 1972 to
1997. In 1968 he founded the well known Kölner
Kantorei in Cologne. Both choirs went on concert
tours to numerous countries. In 1983 Volker
Hempfling became director of the choir Gürzenich
in Cologne. In 1985 he was offered a professorship
at the music college of the Saarland, Germany. As
professor for choral conducting he was responsible
for the Department of Protestant Church Music
15

and worked as director of the chamber choir from
1993 to 2004. He was invited as guest conductor
in Germany and abroad and gave conducting
and voice training courses in many countries. He
is also in great demand as juror at national and
international competitions.
Battista Pradal
Battista Pradal (1964) attended B. Marcello and
J. Tomadini conservatories in Venice and Udine
and obtained diplomas in composition, piano
and choral music and choir conducting. He has
been awarded prizes at important national and
international composition competitions. The CIDIM,
National Committee Italian Music, has included
him amongst other Italian composers in PODIUM
project. He studied orchestra conducting under
R. Gessi at the European Academy in Vicenza.
In 2001 he established the choir and orchestra In
Musica Gaudium – an ensemble of young students
and musicians – in Oderzo, Treviso. Battista Pradal
is teacher of piano, composition and harmony at
the music school Orpitergium in Oderzo, Treviso
and at the musical foundation Santa Cecilia in
Portogruaro near Venice. Many of his pieces were
performed in Italy and in other countries, several
of which are published in some CD compilations.
He was member of the jury in international
composition and choral competitions.
Cecilia Xuereb nee Gouder
Cecilia Xuereb nee Gouder, B.A., L.P., L.R.S.M.,
Dip. In Educ. Man., studied piano with Bice
Mizzi-Vassallo, Bice Bisazza and Anna Maria
Scicluna Bisazza and harmony with Carmelo Pace.
She obtained her Licentiate from the Royal School
of Music, London in 1959. For the past thirty years
Cecilia Xuereb has been the chief music critic for
The Sunday Times of Malta. She has also contributed
several articles on the music scene in Malta for
various publications including several editions of
The Malta Year Book and Treasures of Malta. For
several years she was a member of the Chorus
Melitensis and of the Malta Choral Society. On a
number of occasions she has acted as adjudicator
in music competitions in Malta. She was also
responsible for setting up and organizing a music
competition for the National Council of Women
which this year has reached its 12th edition.
She graduated from the University of Malta
and taught for many years both in state schools at
sixth form level and later in church schools, where
she introduced music as a subject on the school
curriculum.
16

programme
EVENTS PROGRAMME – OVERVIEW
3rd Malta International Choir
Competition and Festival
Thursday, 29th October
18:30 Valletta, City Gate – Participating Choirs parade along Republic Street.
19:00 Grand Master's Palace Courtyard - Opening ceremony
Participation by Nafra ethnic band and various choirs.
Friday, 30th October
09:00-13:00 Floriana, St. Publius Church – Sacred Music Competition
12:00 Valletta, St. John’s Square – Open Air Friendship concert by various choirs
12:30 Valletta, Upper Barrakka Garden – Open Air Friendship concert by various choirs
15:30 Meditteranean Conference Centre, Valletta – Workshops with Andre de Quadros and
Volker Hempfling
19:30 Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta – Grand Concert:
Excerpts from Mendelssohn’s oratorio “Paulus” by “Jubal Orchestra” and selected choirs. The
programme also features excerpts from Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation” and Händel’s serenata “Acis
and Galatea”. The “Hallelujah” chorus from Händel’s “Messiah”, sung by all Festival choirs together,
concludes this concert.
Saturday, 31st October
09:00-13:00 Floriana, Catholic Institute – Competition of secular, folk and pop categories
12:00 Valletta, St. John’s Square – Open air Friendship Concert by various choirs
20:00 Valletta, St. John’s Co-Cathedral – Singing Together for Peace
An inter-religious meeting with the participation of choirs and representatives of various religious
denominations and faiths.
21:00 Sagrestia Vault, Valletta Waterfront – Concert by Viva Female Choir from Norway and
Nicolai Chamber Choir from Sweden
Sunday, 1st November
Morning: Various churches in Malta – Participation of choirs during mass.
11:00 Salesian Theatre, Sliema – Friendship concert by Collegium Vocale, Norway and
Nicolai Chamber Choir, Sweden
17:30 Catholic Institute, Floriana – Closing concert and prize giving ceremony.
17

EVENTS PROGRAMME – IN DETAIL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 – OPENING CEREMONY
18:00 Choristers and organizers meet at City Gate Valletta – Walk down Republic Street to the
President’s Palace.
19:00 Opening Ceremony at President’s Palace Courtyard, Valletta
the chamber choir “Amadeus”, Latvia – (conductor : Inga Dziluma) Latvian Folk Songs
Welcome by
Christian Ljunggren, artistic director, INTERKULTUR
Rev. John Galea, Malta’s festival team artistic director.
Zenska Klapa “Teranke”, Croatia – (conductor: Tatjana Merkl) “Golubice nemoj” Folk song
(arr. E. Tudor) and “Cetina” by D. Žanko (arr. M. Čačija)
stockholms Studentsångarförbund, Sweden – (conductor: Jerica Greorc Bukovec) Hugo
Alfvén “Gryning vid havet”
Musical Performance by Nafra – a Maltese ethnic Band.
address by
The Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism.
The Hon. Dolores Cristina, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport
Compere: Joyce Guillaumier
about Nafra
Nafra is a Maltese band that makes use of traditional folk instruments and musical scores integrated
with some more contemporary sounds. Many of the ensemble’s eclectic instruments were created by ∑
Ġużi Gatt, using animal horns and skins, various types of wood and even earthenware. Nafra, led
by Ruben Zahra, is an acoustic ensemble featuring traditional Maltese instruments, namely the
żaqq (bagpipe), żummara (reed pipe), flejguta (cane flute), żafżafa (friction drum) and tanbur
(frame drum). Nafra is very active not only on the local scene but also abroad, having been invited
to perform in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Tunisia and Hong Kong.
18

EVENTS PROGRAMME – IN DETAIL
Friday October 30 – Grand Concert Celebrating Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Händel and Haydn
19:30 Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847)
from the oratorio “Paulus”
1. Overture
2. Choir: Thou alone art God
3. Choral: To God on high
4. Aria (soprano): Jerusalem
5. Choir: Happy and blest
6. Recitative and female choir: Saul, Saul
7. Choir: Rise up arise
8. Choral: Sleepers wake
9. Choir: O great is the depth
St. Monica Choir, Malta; Nicolai Kammarkör, Sweden; Stockholms Studentsångare, Sweden;
Magnificat, Hungary; Collegium Vocale, Norway; Journey Choir, Malta.
Soloists: Ruth Sammut Casingena (Soprano), Joseph Aquilina (Tenor), Anthony Montebello (Bass)
Orchestra: The Jubal Orchestra. Conductor: Rev. John Galea.
interVAL
Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)
the Conquering Hero Comes from “Judas Maccabeus”
All choirs
Orchestra: The Jubal Orchestra. Conductor: Christian Ljunggren
From the serenata “Acis and Galatea”
1. Choir: O the pleasure of the plains
2. Choir and bass solo: The flocks shall leave the mountain
3. Choir: Happy, happy, we
Choir: Nicolai Kammarkör, Sweden
Bass solo: Anthony Montebello
Orchestra: The Jubal Orchestra. Conductor: Christian Ljunggren
19

EVENTS PROGRAMME – IN DETAIL
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
richte mich Gott
Choir: Collegium Vocale, Norway. Conductor: Thomas Caplin
Veni Domine
Choir: Magnificat, Hungary. Conductor: Valéria Szebellédi
From “Sechs Sprüche” op. 79
Choir: Maulbronner Kammerchor, Germany. Conductor: Jürgen Budday
herr sei gnädig, op. 116
Choir: Coro Universitario de Valladolid, Spain. Conductor: Marcos Castan
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
the Heavens Are Telling from “The Creation”
Soloists: Ruth Sammut Casingena (soprano), Joseph Aquilina (tenor), Anthony Montebello (bass)
Choirs: St. Paul Choral Society, Malta, Maulbronner Kammerchor, Germany
Georg Friedrich Händel
Zadoc the priest, coronation anthem
Soloists: Ruth Sammut Casingena (soprano), Joseph Aquilina (tenor), Anthony Montebello (bass)
Choirs: St. Paul Choral Society, Malta, Maulbronner Kammerchor, Germany
“Alleluja Chorus” from “Messiah”
All choirs
Orchestra: The Jubal Orchestra. Conductor: Christian Ljunggren
Compere: Joyce Guillaumier
20

EVENTS PROGRAMME – IN DETAIL
Saturday October 31 – SINGING TOGETHER FOR PEACE
20:00 St. John’s Co-Cathedral
hymn: Laudate omnes gentes (Taizé).
Joint choirs from the festival. Conductor: Christian Ljunggren
Welcome by His Lordship Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo
“Choral improvisation”
Joint choirs from the festival. Conductor: Volker Hempfling
Ms Wiebke Micallef Eynaud, representative of the Catholic Church
ola Gjeilo: “Unicornis Captivatur”
Choir: Sola Fide, Norway. Conductor: Janicke Damm Rusti
Rev Can. Simon Godfrey, representative of the Anglican Church
Vladimir Milosavljevic: “Pokajnicka molitva”
Choir: Mixed Choir Jedinsko, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Conductor: Nemanja Savic
Mgr George Mifsud, representative of the Eastern Churches
Pavel Cesnokov: “Sovjet Prevjecnu”
Choir: Drústavo pevski zbor SREĈKO KOSOVEL Ajdovščina, Slovenia.
Conductor: Matjaž Šček
hymn: All Creatures of Our God and King
Joint choirs from the festival. Conductor: Rev John Galea
Pastor Wilfred Steen, representative of the German Evangelical Church
eve & Austrina: “Laudamus in Domino”
Choir: Venda, Latvia. Conductor: Anitra Niedre
Ms. Shelly Tayar, representative of the Jewish faith
edward Grieg: “Ave Maris Stella”
Choirs: Kammerkoret Collegium Vocale, Norway; Nicolai Kammakör, Sweden.
Conductor: Thomas Caplin
Mr Mohammed el Sadi, representative of Islam
rodolfo Delarmente: “Dumbele”, Philippines
Joint choirs from the festival. Conductor: Andre de Quadros
Concluding prayer by His Lordship Mgr. Mario Grech
21

EVENTS PROGRAMME – IN DETAIL
Sunday 1 November 2009 – Closing Ceremony
17:30 Catholic Institute, Floriana
choral singing
Der Mond ist aufgegangen – Volker Hempfling
Ubi caritas – Hreidar Ingi Torsteinsson
Volker Hempfling conducts the festival choirs
Interval
Prize-giving ceremony in categories S1-3 and SO
Winning choirs will be performing an excerpt from their repertoire
Trophies presented by the Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism
Prize-giving ceremony in categories G2-3, MP, P and F
Winning choirs will be performing an excerpt from their repertoire
Trophies presented by the Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism
choral performance of ‘Janger’
A traditional Balinese song arranged by Budi Susanto Yohanes
Andre de Quadros conducts festival choirs
concluding speeches
Ms. Piroska Horvath, Vice President of Interkultur.
Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism
Compere: Joyce Guillaumier
22

competition performance
Friday October 30
St. Publius Church, Floriana
09:20 Category S1
Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
— mixed choirs
1 Maulbronner Kammerchor
Germany - Pforzheim
Choir Director: Jürgen Budday
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Sechs Sprüche • Leonhard
Lechner: Nun schein, du Glanz der Herrlichkeit • Eric
Whitacre: Lux Aurumque • Urmas Sisask: Benedictio
2 Miešoviti Hor Spd Jedinstvo
Bosnia Herzegovina – Banja Luka
Choir Director: Nemanja Savić
Josquin Desprez: Kyrie • Josif Marinković: Otce nas •
Romuald Twardowski: Alleluja • Vladimir Miloslavjević:
Pokajnička molitva
3 Kammerkoret Collegium Vocale Hamar
Norway - Hamar
Choir Director: Thomas Caplin
Thomas Tallis: O sacrum convivium • Felix Mendelssohn
Bartholdy: Richte mich, Gott • Knut Nystedt: O crux • Ivo
Antognini: Jesu dulcis memoria
Friday October 30
St. Publius Church, Floriana
10:20 Category S3
Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
Female choirs
1 Viva Trondheim
Norway - Trondheim
Choir Director: Ina Cecilia Hjelmervik Olufsen
Orlando di Lasso: Alleluja, laus et Gloria • Edvard Grieg
/ arr. B. Agnestig: Ved Rondane • Steiner Eielsen: I will
praise you, o Lord! • Javier Busto: Salve Regina
10:40 Category S2
Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
— male choirs
1 Stockholms Studentsangårförbund
Sweden - Stockholm
Choir Director: Jerica Gregorc Bukovec
Jacobus Gallus: Ante luciferum genitus • Peter Cornelius:
Mitten wir im Leben sind • Knut Nystedt: Salve Regina •
Jan Sandström: Vuojnha Biegga
2 Drustvo Pevski Zbor Srecko Kosovel
Slovenia – Ajdovscina
Choir Director: Matjaz Scek
Jacobus Gallus: Praeparate corda vestra • Grigory Lvovsky:
Now the Powers of Heaven • Orlando Dipiazza: Laudate
Dominum • Franz Biebl: Ave Maria
23

Friday October 30
St. Publius Church, Floriana
11:40 Category S0
Sacred music
Open category
1 Venda Ventspils
Latvia - Ventspils
Choir Directors: Anitra Niedre, Talberga Rudite
Austrina Eve: Laudamus in Domino • Franz Biebl: Ave
Maria • Javier Busto: Salve Regina • Pekka Kostiainen:
Jaakobin pojat
2 Sola Fide
Norway – Nesttun, Bergen
Choir Director: Janicke Damm Rusti
Ola Gjeilo: Unicornis captivatur • Arr. Øystein Wieder:
Herren er min hyrding • John Rutter: A Choral Fanfare •
Erlend Fagertun: Kyrie Eleison
3 St. Paul Choral Society
Malta
Choir Director: Hugo Agius-Muscat
Lodovico Viadana: Exultate justi • Anton Bruckner:
Locus iste • John Steiner: God So Loved the World • Sergei
Rachmaninov: Bogorodhitse Devo, raduisya • John Rutter:
For the beauty of the Earth
Saturday, October 31
Catholic Institute - Floriana
09:15 Category F
Folklore
1 Ženska Klapa Teranke
Croatia – Pula
Rajmir Kraljević: Loza u škripu • Limić Miso / arr. M.
Ivićević: Ima jedan svijet • Lucijan Brumnak / Čačija
Mojimir: Materin plač • Vladimir Berdovic: Lindo • Arr.
Vinko Lesić: Misečina
2 Kamerkoris Amadeus
Latvia - Riga
Choir Director: Inga Dziluma
Traditional Latvia: Medley: Ritual of an authentic
Latvian marriage
3 Venda Ventspils
Latvia - Ventspils
Choir Directors: Anitra Niedre, Talberga Rudite
Valdis Zilvers: Dindaru, dandaru ozolini • Selga Mence:
Balta gāja sērdienīte • Dzintra Kurme-Gedroica:
Sunisami maizi devu • Andres Kontauts: Pret sauli
perkona kumeli skreja
4 Viva Trondheim
Norway - Trondheim
Choir Director: Ina Cecilie Hjelmervik Olufsen
Traditional Norway / arr. Jens Bugge Olsen: Bendik
og Ärolilja • Traditional Norway / arr. Knut Nystedt:
Neslandskyrkja • Traditional Norway / arr. Sigvald
Tveit: Å vesle Kari vår • Ronny Kjøsen: Feldråka og
trekkspillkail’n
24
5 Magnificat Youth Choir
Hungary - Budapest
Choir Director: Valéria Szebellédi
Traditional Hungary: Őszi szél fúj • Zoltán Kodály:
Táncnóta • Lajos Bárdos: Menyecske • Lajos Bárdos:
Magos a rutafa

Saturday, October 31
Catholic Institute - Floriana
10:45 Category G3
Mixed youth choirs
1 Vox Angelica Huddinge
Sweden - Huddinge
Choir Director: Anna Jarmar
Hans Nyberg: All and everywhere • Thomas Caplin: Agnus
Dei • Adrian Batten: O Sing Joyfully • Pererik Moraeus:
Koppången
Saturday, October 31
Catholic Institute - Floriana
11:00 Category G2
Youth choirs of equal voices
1 Oktet 9 – Gimnazija Celje Center
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Gregor Deleja • Jacobus Gallus: Praeparate
corda vestra • Francis Poulenc: Seigneur, je vous en prie •
Josip Verbic: Vasovalec • Bonut Lesjak: Ne cakaj na maj
2 Magnificat Youth Choir
Hungary - Budapest
Choir Director: Valéria Szebellédi
György Orbán: Missa sexta - Gloria • Miklós Kocsár: O
magnum mysterium • György Orbán: Fülemüle, fülemüle •
Levente Gyöngyösi: Gloria kajoniensis
3 Otroski In Dekliski Pevski Zbor
Gimnazije Celje Center
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Barbara Arlic Kerstein
Jacobus Gallus: Regnum Mundi • Franz Liszt: Pater
noster • Javier Busto: Laudate Dominum • Ambroz Copi:
Dajte novci nakolac
25

Saturday, October 31
Catholic Institute - Floriana
11:45 Category MP
Musica Profana
1 Kammerkoret Collegium Vocale Hamar
Norway - Hamar
Choir Director: Thomas Caplin
Claudio Monteverdi: Lasciatemi morire • Camille Saint-
Saëns: Les fleurs et les arbres • Ralph Vaughan Williams:
Three Shakespeare Songs • Carlos Guastavino: Se equivocó
la paloma
2 Stockholms Studentsangårförbund
Sweden - Stockholm
Choir Director: Jerica Gregorc Bukovec
Orlando di Lasso: Bonjour, mon coeur • Arne Mellnäs:
Ede Bibe Lude • Veljo Tormis : Incantatio maris aestuosi •
August Södermann: I bröllopsgården
3 Maulbronner Kammerchor
Germany - Pforzheim
Choir Director: Jürgen Budday
Jacobus Gallus: Musica noster amor • Joseph Gabriel
Rheinberger: Morgenlied • Johannes Brahms: Guten
Abend, gut Nacht • Eric Whitacre: Sleep
Saturday, October 31
Catholic Institute - Floriana
12:40 Category P
Popular Choral Music
1 Sola Fide
Norway – Nesttun, Bergen
Choir Director: Janicke Damm Rusti
Arr. Frank Havrøy: Girls Keep Secrets in the Strangest
Way • Vincent Clarke / arr. Tom Grondman: Only You •
G. Weiss, H. Peretti, L. Creatore/arr. C. Gerlitz: The Lyon
Sleeps Tonight • Billy Joel / atrr. Bob Chilcott: And So It
Goes
2 Otroski In Dekliski Pevski Zbor
Gimnazije Celje Center
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Barbara Arlic Kerstein
Arr. D. Lawrence: Abba Forever
3 Oktet 9 – Gimnazija Celje Center
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Gregor Deleja
Buck Ram: Great Pretender • Alan Menken: Kiss the Girl
• Robbie Williams: Angels • Mojmir Sepe: Zemlja plese
26

jury and evaluation
1. The jury consists of internationally
acknowledged choral experts.
2. The decisions of the jury cannot be contested.
3. As is customary in the MUSICA MUNDI Festival
Series, the MUSICA MUNDI evaluation system will
be used.
4. The jury will evaluate the choirs according to
the following criteria:
a. intonation
b. sound quality of the choir
c. fidelity to the score (authenticity in folklore
category)
d. overall artistic impression
In categories where the number of pieces is
determined the jury will evaluate every single piece
according to criteria a) intonation and c) fidelity
to the score or interpretation practice and they
will evaluate the overall performance according to
criteria b) sound quality of the choir and d) overall
artistic impression.
In categories, for which the number of pieces
is not determined, the jury will evaluate only
the overall performance according to the abovementioned
criteria.
The jury decides whether a choir qualifies for a
diploma or not. Choirs which do not qualify will
receive a certificate of “successful participation”.
All other choirs will get a score between 1 and 30
points. The final score is the average of all points
achieved. Depending on the points achieved the
adjudicators award bronze, silver and gold diplomas
in levels I to X.
Diplomas will be awarded for the number of
points achieved as follows:
In case at least one adjudicator does not give
even 1 point for three criteria or three adjudicators
do not give even 1 point for at least one criterion,
the jury will take a vote to decide whether the choir
will receive a diploma or not.
Category winner is the choir with the highest
score above 20.50 points. In case of equal scores or
if the difference between the scores of two choirs
is less than 0.1 point the jury will take a vote to
determine the category winner. If no choir has
achieved a score above 20.50 points (Gold I), then
there will be no category winner in that category.
In case a choir exceeds the maximum pure
singing time of the respective category, their final
score will be reduced. Each choir will receive their
scores in written form.
Bronze Diploma
I 0.5–1.49
II 1.5–2.49
III 2.5–3.49
IV 3.5–4.49
V 4.5–5.49
VI 5.5–6.49
VII 6.5–7.49
VIII 7.5–8.49
IX 8.5–9.49
X 9.5–10.49
Silver Diploma
I 10.5–11.49
II 11.5–12.49
III 12.5–13.49
IV 13.5–14.49
V 14.5–15.49
VI 15.5–16.49
VII 16.5–17.49
VIII 17.5–18.49
IX 18.5–19.49
X 19.5–20.49
Gold Diploma
I 20.5–21.49
II 21.5–22.49
III 22.5–23.49
IV 23.5–24.49
V 24.5–25.49
VI 25.5–26.49
VII 26.5–27.49
VIII 27.5-28.49
IX 28.5–29.49
X 29.5–30.00
27

participating choirs
MIEŠOVITI HOR SPD JEDINSTVO
Bosnia Herzegovina – Banja Luka
Choir Director: Nemanja Savić
MAULBRONNER KAMMERCHOR
Germany - Pforzheim
Choir Director: Jürgen Budday
ŽENSKA KLAPA TERANKE
Croatia – Pula
MAGNIFICAT YOUTH CHOIR
Hungary - Budapest
Choir Director: Valéria Szebellédi
29

KAMERKORIS AMADEUS
Latvia - Riga
Choir Director: Inga Dziluma
GH¯ AXAQ FOLK ENSEMBLE
Malta - Gh¯axaq
Choir Director: Michael Attard
VENDA VENTSPILS
Latvia - Ventspils
Choir Directors: Anitra Niedre, Talberga Rudite
ST PAUL CHORAL SOCIETY
Malta
Choir Director: Hugo Agius-Muscat
30

Santa Monica Choir
Malta
Choir Director: Sr. Beniamina Portelli
KAMMERKORET COLLEGIUM VOCALE HAMAR
Norway - Hamar
Choir Director: Thomas Caplin
JOURNEY CHOIR
Malta
Choir Director: Ruth Casingena
SOLA FIDE
Norway – Nesttun, Bergen
Choir Director: Janicke Damm Rusti
31

VIVA TRONDHEIM
Norway - Trondheim
Choir Director: Ina Cecilia Hjelmervik Olufsen
DRUSTVO PEVSKI ZBOR SRECKO KOSOVEL
Slovenia – Ajdovscina
Choir Director: Matjaz Scek
OKTET 9 – GIMNAZIJA CELJE CENTER
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Gregor Deleja
32

OTROSKI IN DEKLISKI PEVSKI ZBOR GIMNAZIJE CELJE CENTER
Slovenia – Celje
Choir Director: Barbara Arlic Kerstein
NICOLAI KAMMARKÖR
Sweden - Stockholm
Choir Director: Christian Ljunggren
CORO UNIVERSITARIO DE VALLADOLID
Spain - Valladolid
Choir Director: Marcos Castán
STOCKHOLMS STUDENTSANGÅRFÖRBUND
Sweden - Stockholm
Choir Director: Jerica Gregorc Bukovec
33

TORS HAMMARKÖR
Sweden - Alnö
Choir Director: Viktoria Forsberg
VOX ANGELICA HUDDINGE
Sweden - Huddinge
Choir Director: Anna Jarmar
34

musical pieces
for the grand concert and the "singing together for peace" concert
Laudate omnes gentes
35

5
& b b b
9
& bb b
13
& b b b
13
?
b b b
All Creatures of Our God and King
& b b b 2 3 ˙
All
w œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ
crea-tures of
our God and
˙ ˙ œ œ
w
King,
˙ ˙ ˙
˙
Lift
sing Al - le - lu - ia, Al - le - lu - ia! Thou
w
beam,
˙
Choirs and congregation. Conducted by Rev. John Galea
St. Francis' Hymn Of The Sun
˙
˙
Thou
œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ
sil - ver moon with
sof - ter
w œ œ
gleam,
praise Him, Al - le - lu - ia! Al - le - lu - ia! Al - le -
œ œ œ œ
˙ œ œ ˙ œ œ
n ˙ œ œ
˙ œ œ
˙ ˙ œ œ
˙ n˙
œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ
up your voice and with us
œ œ œ œ œ œ
bur-ning sun with gol - den
O
˙w.
w
˙ ˙ œ œ
praise Him,
lu - - -
˙
˙
˙
w
ia!
w
o
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia !
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise Him! Praise Him !
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia !
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along.
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright.
[Copyright]
That give both warmth and light.
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way.
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow.
Let them His glory also show.
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And all ye men of tender heart.
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia
36

See the conqu'ring hero comes
from Judas Maccabeus
37

Hallelujah
from Messiah
39

choir singing in malta
The practice of choral singing is very
widespread in Malta, mostly connected with
the great variety of religious celebrations held
throughout the liturgical year. Most of the
established choirs owe their origin to the activities
held on a parochial level with some going beyond
these frontiers.
Practically every parish has a choral group,
though of various formations. Many schools and
other organizations too have their choirs who
perform during their special celebrations.
The technical preparation and musical
education of the choristers varies from one
group to another. In most cases it is provided by
the conductor himself or his assistant/s. More
motivated choristers attend special singing classes
at the Johan Strauss School of Music, where
they find more specialized training by qualified
teachers. In some cases the group invites a trained
vocal teacher to give special singing lessons to the
members of the group.
The repertoire of the local choirs consists of a
varied palette of musical styles, genres and periods
of musical history. It is both local and foreign.
Choirs of a more advanced level embark on
renowned choral masterpieces, while the choice
of less experienced choirs falls on works more
accessible to their performing powers. During
these last 30 years we have witnessed a revival of
18th and 19th Century choral works by Maltese
composers, which were realized and edited from
original manuscripts held in our many archives,
and successfully performed during concerts.
Our cultural calendar around the year presents
many occasions for local choirs to perform.
These range from high-quality performances
with orchestral accompaniment both in theatres
and churches to other less ambitious concerts
on a parochial level. Some choirs even find
opportunities to travel and perform abroad.
Providing the necessary finances to support their
running expenses and their performances is a
major headache to most choirs. To meet these
needs they mostly rely on the generosity of
sponsors, who are not always easy to find.
Rev. John Galea
45

Interested in MALTESE CHORAL MUSIC ?
Joseph Vella is generally regarded as being Malta’s leading composer, and, on the
international scene, he is by far the most widely played Maltese contemporary composer.
We invite you to have a look at his piece “Ode to Pearl Grotto” on our homepage.
Also an important Maltese conductor is Christopher Muscat, who is composer
of mostly chamber works that have been performed in Europe and elsewhere.
A couple of his works will be published soon by Edition Music Contact!
Listen to an interview of one of our contemporary choral composer, Colin Mawby on
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncWduW6uJsI)
Please have a look at amateur video recordings of choirs who performed
pieces at international competitions available by Edition Music Contact!
“Sicut Cervus Desiderat” by Nancy Telfer
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnftvwOotOI&feature=related)
“Two Chinese Poems“ by Colin Mawby
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngtnk7H-KaA&feature=related)
The world of choral music at your finger tips

maltese culture
past and present
The history of the Maltese archipelago and its
people goes back to at least 7,000 years. The first
local dwellers of caves and small huts reached
Malta from Sicily which is 90 kilometres away, by
some kind of seafaring boats.
At around 3,500BC – 2,500BC the Maltese
megalithic temples were being built, wherein
a female deity was worshipped by the several
thousands of inhabitants who could survive by their
agricultural activities and by such religious beliefs.
At around 700BC the Phoenicians reached
Malta and colonised it. These were the first peoples
who left a cultural imprint of their language
engraved in stone. These were followed by their
descendants the Carthaginians who came from
Tunisia. Rome soon took over the fate of the
Maltese islanders as Malta was conquered by the
Roman Empire, thus establishing itself in Malta as
a European civilisation.
Little is known about what happened to Malta
in the early centuries after the birth of Christ.
It is certain however, that the Maltese turned
to Christianity soon, as evinced by the quantity
of catacombs, many of which carried Christian
symbols.
The Arabs conquered Malta in 870AD and
retained Malta and Gozo under their influence.
The Arab language remained as the main language
of communication throughout the centuries but
was gradually infused by romance elements. It
has survived to this day as a spoken and written
language.
Malta was placed on the map of the
Mediterranean commercial route with the arrival of
the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and Rhodes. A
stable but autocratic government thus ruled Malta
until the arrival of Napoleon and his troops in 1798.
The French occupation of Malta did not last for
long however, as these were ousted by the British
in 1800.
Malta went through many trials and tribulations
during the British period, the worst being the
heavy air attacks sustained during World War II.
Finally, in 1964 Malta obtained its independence
from Britain.
The stability and peace enjoyed since then
has reaped the fruit of wealth and commerce
for a population of some 414,000. Tourism has
flourished. It is in such a peaceful ambience that
one is able to enjoy cultural events such as the
Malta International Choir Festival
Martin Morana
47

musical calendar
musical events in malta, 2010
The Maltese islands offer more than 100
major musical events per year to suit all
tastes. Hereunder is a list of some of the top
quality events that will take place in 2010.
FEBRUARY
SONG FOR EUROPE, Mediterranean Conference
Centre, Valletta
This is the event of the year for Maltese singers who will
compete with one another to get the first place trophy. The
winner will automatically be chosen to compete in the
Eurovision Song Festival which is held in May.
MARCH
THE 12th BOV OPERA FESTIVAL, Manoel Theatre,
Valletta
The 12th edition of the popular BOV Opera Festival will
be held at Teatru Manoel. The festival is produced by the
Manoel Theatre and the National Philharmonic Orchestra.
MAY
GHANAFEST, Argotti Garden, Floriana
This is a three-day manifestation of Maltese folk
singing (M. Ghˉana). A variety of foreign folk singers
and musicians hailing from various countries in the
Mediterranean also participate in this festival.
JULY
MALTA (SUMMER) ARTS FESTIVAL, Valletta and other
venues
Sixteen days during which a variety of drama, comedy,
classical and modern concerts are held. Throughout this
period, there are also various art exhibitions. Various
open spaces in Valletta are used to hold these artistic
manifestations. Some of the events are also held in other
localities in Malta.
MALTA MUSIC WEEK AND ISLE OF MTV, Floriana and
other venues
The event builds up over six days of musical events,
culminating with the mega –concert at The Granaries
Floriana. Last year’s Isle of MTV was a huge success with,
Black-Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and many others all playing
live. Admission free.
MALTA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, Grand
Harbour – Valletta Side
The Malta International Jazz Festival has reverted to its
original pure jazz format. International artistes as well
as local performers entertain the public at the Valletta
Water Front in Grand Harbour.
OCTOBER
MALTA MILITARY TATTOO, MFCC, Ta’ Qali
Various Military Bands participate in this spectacular
event held under a tent at Ta’ Qali. The Maltese Armed
Forces Band as well as the Malta Police Corps Band will
also be participating.
Apart from the above, there will be numerous
concerts by both local as well as foreign artists of
world renown which will be announced closer to
the date. For further information and update you
may visit : www.visitmalta.com/events
48

in GUARDIA
A historical re-enactment of a full-scale
military parade at Fort St. Elmo Valletta
Shows Start at 11.00am
Duration time: 40mins
For Further Details Visit
www.visitmalta.com
or call tel: 2291 5440/1
TICKETS
AT THE
GATE
DATES FOR 2010
JANUARY 3
FEBRUARY 7, 21, 28
MARCH 7, 28
APRIL 4, 18, 25
MAY 2, 16, 23, 30
JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27
JULY 4, 11
SEPTEMBER 26
OCTOBER 3, 10, 17, 24
NOVEMBER 7
DECEMBER 26
ADULTS : €5
CHILDREN (6 – 12 YEARS)
& STUDENTS : €3
Also...
A Re-enactment portraying military encounters between Maltese
militias and French troops (1798-1800). at Fort St. Elmo, Valletta.
Tourist Information Office: 2291 5440/1
DATES FOR 2010
FEBRUARY 14
MARCH 14
APRIL 11
MAY 9
NOVEMBER 14
you’re virtually there!
www.visit
virtually spoils you for choice with
things to do and places to visit in
the Maltese islands.
.com
BOOK ON-LINE
AT THE OFFICIAL E-PORTAL FOR MALTA, GOZO & COMINO