On Wednesday 26th October 2016 at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, the Under the Spire Group will present “WWI – A concert with words and music”, the second concert of a series which evokes WW1 in contemporary poetry, descriptive prose, and popular and classical music.
The first concert in 2014 journeyed from the outbreak of war with its optimism and patriotism, to the realization that the war would not be over “before the leaves fall from the trees”. This second concert takes us from the Somme to Gallipoli and Malta, nurse of the Mediterranean, from fury and despair, to the many instances of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of unprecedented suffering. Among those taking part are Alex Vella Gregory, Sarah Spiteri and Jaqui Porter.
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral was consecrated in 1844. It had been the wish of the Dowager Queen Adelaide, widow of William IV, to found a place of worship for the many Anglicans in Malta at that time. The Cathedral was designed in the Classical style by the architect William Scamp, and its iconic spire has become a landmark on the Marsamxetto waterfront of Valletta. It was noted at the time “Almost the whole of the English population was present at the consecration. The Bishop perambulated the ground preceded by a verger in purple and followed by ten clergymen in their surplices and scarfs. So many clergymen were certainly never assembled here before. It has happened three times that we have been left for months together with one only to supply all the wants of the 5,000 English which there are generally here including the troops”.
The aim of the Under the Spire Group led by Simon Walker, David Roberts and Margaret Weaver, is to present occasional signature events showcasing British culture, and opening the Cathedral to a wider public.
The event at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on Wednesday 26th October 2016 starts at 8pm and is presented in collaboration with Teatru Manoel. Tickets can be obtained from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, 2124 6389 or at the Cathedral door on the evening.
Proceeds will be for the maintenance of St Paul’s Cathedral: The Anglican Chaplaincy in Malta & Gozo.
