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Project Description
Messa da Reqiuem (2017) is the latest work by Mro Mark Agius. This work will be premiered on the 16th March 2018, at St John’s Co Cathedral by the St Paul Chamber Ensemble, one of Malta’s finest orchestras, bringing together forty-five of the most talented musicians our island has to offer in a concert programme of the highest calibre.
The Messa Da Requiem is a work in eight movements, these being the Introit, Kyrie, Sequence (Dies Irae, which is itself divided into a further eight movements), Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Pie Jesu, Libera Me and In Paradisium, and is scored for orchestra, four soloists, and SATB choir. The soloists will be Karen Gatt Darmenia (Soprano), May Caruana (Controalto), Charles Vincenti (Tenor) and Ivan Vella (Baritone) together with the Rotondo choir of Poznan, Poland.
Why are we crowdfunding?
The St Paul Chamber Ensemble strives to maintain its standards of musical excellence; however, undertaking such initiatives necessitates covering the necessary costs of venues for the performance and rehearsals, and the various logistics needed to put up such a performance. One must appreciate that all participants have to study, travel and cover instrument costs whilst having the responsibility to excel in their performance. These costs will sum up to €5,000.
Your support in helping us to fund this philanthropic initiative through sponsorships and donations will be greatly appreciated.
Companies interested in offering their services in kind, such as printing and advertising are welcome to contact the foundation on [email protected]
What is the aim behind this project?
The aim behind the project is twofold. Primarily it is to promote Maltese talent whilst creating a cross-cultural experience through collaboration with one of Poznan’s finest choirs and offering this cultural experience to the general public. Secondly, as one knows, Id-Dar tal-Providenza relies to a very large extent on the generosity of its benefactors and the public donations it receives to live up to its mission. Entrance tickets will be sold at the reasonable price whereby all proceeds will be donated towards Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
What’s so special about this production?
This cultural event is a unique opportunity for the audience to be part of a musical experience in one of the most prestigious historical sites in Malta, the St John’s Co-Cathedral.
This production is suitable for the general public, particularly those who appreciate classical sacred music and the complexity of a live performance by a large chamber ensemble which will be accompanied by four soloists and a choir from Poznan, Poland with the participation of Maltese guest singers.
This will also be the first time this work, which is the latest composition by Mro Mark Agius, will be performed.
Background of the Production.
Established in 2015, the Medina Foundation for Music is a registered, independent and non-profit organisation in Malta established with the aims of encouraging and facilitating professional musical development and cultural awareness and promoting Malta’s vision as a hub of cultural and educational activity for all regions of the world and in particular for the Euro-Mediterranean region. Above all it believes in cultivating a culture of creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, excellence and flexibility sustained by the values of commitment, dedication and integrity. The Foundation’s Performance Programme is attained through the St Paul Chamber Ensemble.
For more information visit our website: www.medinafoundationformusic.com
The Artists. (Full Profiles in FAQ Section)
MARK AGIUS – Composer and Conductor. Mark Agius was educated at St. Aloysius College. He studied percussion under various tutors and later music theory under Ms Marthese Busuttil Cassar, furthering his studies in harmony and counterpoint and attaining his BMusLSM, with honours and FLSM, also with honours, under Ms Rita Psaila. He was also mentored in the writing of libretto and lyrics by his uncle, the poet and song-writer Mr Charles Mifsud and conducting by Mro Joseph Sammut. He graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. (More Info in FAQ Section)
Karen Gatt Darmenia – Soprano. Karen Gatt Darmenia graduated from the University of Malta with a BEd (Hons) in Home Economics in 2009. She is a piano teacher having started studying piano performance and theory of music from a young age and attaining her ALSM, Dip Rec LSM and Dip Mus LSM under the tuition of Ms Anne Marie Chircop. She was invited to perform a number of times during the annual college concerts of LSM both as a pianist and as a singer.
May Caruana – Contralto. Contralto May Caruana started studying music at a very early age, with her first instrument being the piano. She later started her vocal studies with Mezzo soprano Claire Massa, and is now continuing her vocal and musical development with Ms Juliette Bisazza.
Charles Vincenti – Tenor. Charles Vincenti is a graduate with a B.A. (Hons) in Music Studies and a P.G.C.E. in Music from the University of Malta. He studied vocal technique with mezzo-soprano Claire Massa. In summer 2000, he attended master-classes at the Kodaly International School in the UK with Hungarian soprano Eva Andor. Currently Vincenti studies with Juliette Bisazza Zanni.
Ivan Vella – Baritone. Ivan Vella began his musical career with the group Act React under the direction of Ray Mangion. He then participated in multiple concerts with the Amadeus Chamber Choir and was featured soloist during their tour to Poland. He was part of the Manoel Opera chorus for the production of Aleko under Maestro Brian Schembri.
The Rotondo Choir. The chamber choir, under the patronage of the parish of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina in Poznan, was created in April 2006. Its conductor and artistic director, Natalia Sobkowiak-Bolewska, is a graduate of the Academy of Choral Music in Poznan.
Project FAQ
The Artists
MARK AGIUS – Composer and Conductor. Mark Agius was educated at St. Aloysius College. He studied percussion under various tutors and later music theory under Ms Marthese Busuttil Cassar, furthering his studies in harmony and counterpoint and attaining his BMusLSM, with honours and FLSM, also with honours, under Ms Rita Psaila. He was also mentored in the writing of libretto and lyrics by his uncle, the poet and song-writer Mr Charles Mifsud and conducting by Mro Joseph Sammut. He graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.
Mark Agius has been responsible for conducting various ensembles including the St Cecilia Choir (1989-1995), the UC Concert Band (1993-1999), the Outreach Youth Choir and Orchestra (1994-2002) and the Academy of Praise and Worship (2002-2013) of which he was co-founder. In 2011 he was appointed music director to the newly formed LSM Keyboard Orchestra, becoming its director when it became an independent organisation in 2013 with its name being changed to Maleth Symphonia Keyboard Orchestra. He is also founder and director of the St Paul Chamber Ensemble and Maestro di Cappella at the church of St Ursula in Valletta as well as a being co-founder and CEO of the Medina Foundation for Music.
Since 2003, he has been responsible for the ceremonies of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta. In October 2007 he was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service to the Order and received Knighthood in April 2011. After serving as Secretary General and Deputy Grand Prior respectively he was promoted to the rank of Bailiff Grand Cross and appointed Grand Prior of the Grand Priory of Malta in 2017. His compositions include the international anthem of the Order, Ut Unum Sint, which is sung at all official services of the Order around the world.
His other compositions include three works for piano, five duets for harp, four string quartets, three overtures for orchestra, two oratorios and a mass besides other liturgical works. His first major work was a passion oratorio, Ghalik, composed for two choirs, soloists and orchestra on behalf of the Special Schools Network as its project for the European Year for Persons with Disability. His works for piano have been performed locally and abroad by Bulgarian concert pianist Ivelina Ivantcheva. A prolific Christian song writer, he has written theme songs for national and international worship conferences and participated in festivals such as World Youth Day Festival and L-Ghanja tal-Poplu.
Mark Agius also works in collaboration with Willow Publishing House of New South Wales, Australia, on the transcription, editing and setting of music for publication and has worked with well-known artists such as Rev Robert Galea and Amanda McKenna and with Richard Conolly, a composer of sacred music of international renown, amongst others.
Karen Gatt Darmenia - Soprano. Karen Gatt Darmenia graduated from the University of Malta with a BEd (Hons) in Home Economics in 2009. She is a piano teacher having started studying piano performance and theory of music from a young age and attaining her ALSM, Dip Rec LSM and Dip Mus LSM under the tuition of Ms Anne Marie Chircop. She was invited to perform a number of times during the annual college concerts of LSM both as a pianist and as a singer.
Karen started singing at an early age with Cantores Sancti Juliani, under the tuition and direction of Baritone Lino Attard, with whom she sang in various concerts both locally and abroad, including Rome (1999); Arezzo (2000); the Duomo, Naples (2003); the London Commonwealth pre CHOGM event (2005). She furthered her vocal studies at the Claire McCartin Voice Studio and is currently pursuing her studies under the pedagogical guidance of Soprano Andriana Yordanova.
Karen sings in church functions as both as part of a choir and as a soloist too. She joined the Maleth Sinfonia Keyboard Orchestra in 2013 where she was given the opportunity to perform a variety of songs mostly as a soloist. Karen was appointed Assistant to the Director and Executive Secretary of the orchestra in 2014. In 2015 she joined the St. Paul Chamber Ensemble, performing with the orchestra at the Solemn Investiture and Installation of HE Prince Sandor Hapsburg Lothringen as Prince Grandmaster of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem as well as the commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege of Malta and other recitals of sacred music. She is also a founding-member and deputy chairperson of the Medina Foundation for Music.
May Caruana – Contralto. Contralto May Caruana started studying music at a very early age, with her first instrument being the piano. She later started her vocal studies with Mezzo soprano Claire Massa, and is now continuing her vocal and musical development with Ms Juliette Bisazza.
May has sung as a guest solo artist during several concerts organized, among others, by a number of Local Councils, Parishes, Musical Societies, Friends of the Manoel Theatre, Malta Arts Events and Their Excellency the Presidents Emeritus Dr Edward Fenech Adami and Dr George Abela. In opera, May participated as a chorister in a number of important local productions, such as The Magic Flute and Norma.
As a soloist, she has sung the roles of ‘mother’ and ‘grandmother’ in the children’s opera Little Red Riding Hood. During the 2013 Opera Season May played the role of Mamma Lucia in Cavalleria Rusticana at the Manoel Theatre under the baton of Mro Damiano Binetti, which she was selected to repeat during a competition in Italy. She also played Ines in Il Trovatore and Giovanna in Rigoletto. She has sung various sacred works, premiering a number of local composers’ works such as Alex Vella Gregory & Etienne Spiteri, at St John’s Co-Cathedral, St Julians Parish Church and Paola Parish Church amongst others. May has a first degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Health Services Management.
Charles Vincenti - Tenor. Charles Vincenti is a graduate with a B.A. (Hons) in Music Studies and a P.G.C.E. in Music from the University of Malta. He studied vocal technique with mezzo-soprano Claire Massa. In summer 2000, he attended master-classes at the Kodaly International School in the UK with Hungarian soprano Eva Andor. Currently Vincenti studies with Juliette Bisazza Zanni.
His operatic repertoire includes Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi), Spoletta (Tosca), Goro (Madame Butterfly), Pang (Turandot), Roderigo (Otello), Tybalt (Romeo et Juliette), the Governor/ Vanderdendur/ Ragotski (Candide), Aeneas (Dido and Aeneas), Monostatos (Die Zauberflöte), Edoardo (La Cambiale di Matrimonio), Turiddu (Cavalleria Rusticana), Nikol (Il-Wegħda) and Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’ Elisir d’ Amore during the 2007 BOV Opera Festival.
His non-operatic repertoire includes Saint-Saens’ Oratorio de Noel, Mozart’s Requiem and Coronation Masses, Arias and Evangelist of Bach´s Christmas Oratorio and Matthäus-Passion, Haydn’s Paukenmesse, Gounod’s Messe solennelle de Sainte Cécile, Paolino Vassallo’s Messa da Requiem and Messa Grande, Nani’s Requiem, Carmelo Pace’s Trionfo di Fede and Te Deum, Albert Pace’s premiere Songs of a Lonely Man, Joseph Sammut’s Canticles of St Luke, Nicolo Isouard’s Liturgical Works for St. John’s and Tenebrae: 19th Century Liturgical Works for Holy Week. Performances overseas include Ireland, Birmingham, Bastia and Bombay in India.
Ivan Vella - Baritone. Ivan Vella began his musical career with the group Act React under the direction of Ray Mangion. He then participated in multiple concerts with the Amadeus Chamber Choir and was featured soloist during their tour to Poland. He was part of the Manoel Opera chorus for the production of Aleko under Maestro Brian Schembri.
Ivan appeared for the first time as soloist with Christ the King Band Club in a concert in Paola. He was subsequently invited by Maestro Joe Fenech to perform as soloist for the Souvenir D’Italie concert at the Salesian Theatre. Following that success, he was asked to take on his first major operatic role as Dulcamara in the Donizetti opera, Elisir d’Amore and performed to a full house for the Malta Cultural Institute under the baton of Andre Paul Huber. Lately he joined the TMYO (Teatru Manoel Youth Opera) were he did various concerts.
Ivan began his vocal studies with Ruth Sammut and Brian Cefai, and furthered his studies with mezzo-soprano Deborah Harrison and has appeared as soloist in her “Deborah & Friends” Christmas concerts at St. Patrick’s Church in Sliema. He currently studies with soprano Miriam Cauchi and is a member of the St Paul Chamber Ensemble.
The Rotondo Choir. The chamber choir, under the patronage of the parish of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina in Poznan, was created in April 2006. Its conductor and artistic director, Natalia Sobkowiak-Bolewska, is a graduate of the Academy of Choral Music in Poznan.
The choir is constantly evolving, and new enthusiasts of choral singing are continuously joining. Team members form a circle of friends actively participating in rehearsals and performances, which ensures constant development and maintenance of a high artistic level.
The repertoire of the choir consists of both hymns for all liturgical periods as well as vocal and vocal-instrumental work of Polish and foreign composers of different eras and popular music songs and spirituals.
In addition to participating in ecumenical worship, the choir performs in concerts and in choral competitions. The most important performances include third place in the 4th National Competition of Songs for the Virgin Mary "Maryi Matce" Poznan, October 11, 2014, first place and a prize for the best performance of sacred songs in X Kashubian Regional and Choral Music Festival, Żukowo 7 June 2014 and second place in the third Wroclaw International Choir Festival "Vratislavia Sacra" April 5-7, 2013. The choir also performed in the concert associated with doctorate of J. Zeidler "Missa ex D", with the "Kapela Swiętogórska" orchestra and soloists, Basilica Swiętogórska in Gostyn, May 1, 2014.
The choir’s discography includes Rotondo - debut 13.07.2011, Magnificat - album recorded during a concert 29.10.2011 and Missa ex D Joseph Zeidler - Choir "Rotondo" and the Kapela Swiętogórska 1.05.2014.
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02/21/2018€50.00
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02/12/2018€10.00
