He is more known as a successful entrepreneur in the world of horticulture, but aside from his passion for plants, Peter Calamatta has always harboured a passion for music too.

Now retired, Calamatta last year released his first album, My Life in Song , a collection of evergreen classics that was distributed in exchange for a donation at the Millennium Chapel in St Julian’s. His second album, Peter Calamatta Sings Your Favourite Christmas Songs, will also have the same philanthropic aim.

Calamatta says music was his first love, and he used to dream of having a career as a singer. His idols included Domenico Modugno and Frank Sinatra, crooners whose music continues to inspire, despite the various twists and turns that the music world has undergone in the decades since. Having covered his favourite songs on last year’s album, he felt that recording a Christmas album would be a great way to raise more funds for the cause.

The album features 19, mostly well-known Christmas carols, among them one in Maltese and recorded by Elton Zarb.

Calamatta says he tried to keep a balance on the album by including as many upbeat numbers as songs with a more spiritual theme.

Peter Calamatta Sings Your Favourite Christmas Songs is available from the Millennium Chapel, St Julian’s.