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Gaulitanus Choir - Conductor Colin AttardThe Gaulitanus Choir is a mixed choir officially founded in 1990 as Gozo’s only choir not affiliated to a parish or theatre.Performing an extensive repertoire – whether secular or sacred, operatic or chamber – it has been quite innovative in presenting light and semi-classical works – whether Neapolitan song or Maltese folk, operetta or musical theatre...
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The Gaulitanus Choir has also ventured very successfully abroad, performing in England (1995), Germany (1997), the Netherlands (1999), Greece (2001), Corsica (2001, 2002 and 2007), and Italy (2010, 2015, 2016 and 2017). In 2017 it made history becoming the first Maltese choir to take part in an operatic production abroad, namely at Taormina’s Teatro Antico, Italy. It has also issued three CDs.
For all these efforts, the choir has been very favourably received by critics and public – whether locally or abroad. Quite pertinent is the review of one of its musical theatre concerts, which opined that “light music is taken just as seriously in its preparation and execution as the more serious genres. There is no lack of attention to detail. The projection of dynamics, the crispness in phrasing, the individual piece’s section balance and the emphasis on maintaining a smooth homogeneous sound are all given equal importance.” (The Sunday Times – 19/12/2010).
Since 2007 the choir’s flagship has been Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, an international festival featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres – from opera to chamber and from musical theatre to sacred. Dubbed by The Sunday Times of Malta (30/3/2014) as “the main classical music festival in Gozo” and by the UK’s Musical Opinion (Oct-Dec 2017) as “a major festival of classical music”, The Times of Malta (24/4/2014) has described it as being “at the cutting edge of musical culture” while highlighting its important contribution to the branding of Victoria as “that super city of culture”.
While the Gaulitanus Choir has also proved to be very fertile ground for soloists, it is directed by its founder, Colin Attard, one of Malta’s most established musicians. The choir’s resident accompanist is Stephen Attard, himself also a composer.
For all these efforts, the choir has been very favourably received by critics and public – whether locally or abroad. Quite pertinent is the review of one of its musical theatre concerts, which opined that “light music is taken just as seriously in its preparation and execution as the more serious genres. There is no lack of attention to detail. The projection of dynamics, the crispness in phrasing, the individual piece’s section balance and the emphasis on maintaining a smooth homogeneous sound are all given equal importance.” (The Sunday Times – 19/12/2010).
Since 2007 the choir’s flagship has been Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, an international festival featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres – from opera to chamber and from musical theatre to sacred. Dubbed by The Sunday Times of Malta (30/3/2014) as “the main classical music festival in Gozo” and by the UK’s Musical Opinion (Oct-Dec 2017) as “a major festival of classical music”, The Times of Malta (24/4/2014) has described it as being “at the cutting edge of musical culture” while highlighting its important contribution to the branding of Victoria as “that super city of culture”.
While the Gaulitanus Choir has also proved to be very fertile ground for soloists, it is directed by its founder, Colin Attard, one of Malta’s most established musicians. The choir’s resident accompanist is Stephen Attard, himself also a composer.