Vocal Magic: VOCA & US Chorus to Harmonize in Vittoriosa

Imagine the cobblestone streets of Vittoriosa echoing with melodies from across the Atlantic. This Thursday, that’s exactly what’s in store as Malta’s own VOCA choir joins forces with the United States’ renowned Choral Arts Society for a captivating concert.

An Ocean Apart, Yet United in Harmony

VOCA, Malta’s premier classical choir, has been making waves locally and internationally since its inception in 2005. This time, they’re breaking boundaries by collaborating with Washington D.C.’s Choral Arts Society, led by the esteemed Scott Tucker. The two choirs will unite under the baton of VOCA’s artistic director, Brian Spalding, for a night of musical magic.

But how did this transatlantic collaboration come to fruition? “It all started when Scott Tucker reached out to us,” explains Brian. “He was impressed by VOCA’s performances and wanted to bring our unique Maltese sound to the US. This concert is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange.”

What to Expect: A Musical Journey Through Time

The concert, titled “A Musical Journey Through Time,” promises a diverse repertoire spanning centuries. From the Renaissance choral masterpieces of Thomas Tallis and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina to the modern harmonies of Eric Whitacre and Jake Runestad, there’s something for every music lover.

Highlights include Whitacre’s haunting “Sleep,” a virtual phenomenon with over 15 million views on YouTube, and Runestad’s powerful “Let My Love Be Heard,” commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The choirs will also perform traditional Maltese songs, giving the audience a taste of our rich musical heritage.

Vittoriosa: A Perfect Stage for Musical History

Vittoriosa, the historic fortified city on the Grand Harbour, provides the perfect backdrop for this musical extravaganza. The concert will take place in the magnificent St. Lawrence Church, a 16th-century gem with stunning acoustics. “Performing in such a historic and acoustically rich venue is a dream come true for both choirs,” says Brian.

After the concert, the choirs will lead a candlelit procession through Vittoriosa’s narrow streets, ending at the water’s edge for a symbolic joining of the two cultures. It’s a moment not to be missed.

So, mark your calendars for Thursday, 21st April, at 7:30 PM. Join VOCA and the Choral Arts Society for a night of musical history in the making. Tickets are available online and at various outlets around Malta.

As Brian puts it, “This concert is more than just music. It’s a celebration of our shared humanity, a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. We can’t wait to share this experience with Malta and beyond.”