Recital of Christmas music

Mezzo-soprano Connie Frances Zerafa will be giving a vocal recital of Christmas music, accompanied by pianist Romina Morrow, on December 12 at St James Cavalier, Valletta.

The recital, which will be held in the music room at 7.30 p.m., should get people in the Christmas mood with popular pieces being played, such as Franz Gruber's Silent Night and Adolph Adam's O Holy Night.

The recital will include Morning by Oley Speaks; In a Monastery Garden, Albert W. Ketelbey; Jesus of Nazareth, Charles Gounod and Exsultate, Jubilate, Mozart, among others.

Ms Zerafa, who was born in Toronto, Canada in 1974, started studying drama and participated in many plays, concerts and music in her early teens.

In May 1999, Ms Zerafa made her debut at the Manoel Theatre in Masquerade's production of The King and I, when she played the role of Lady Thiang.

Recently, under the guidance of her singing teacher Antoinette Miggiani, she gave another vocal recital of sacred music in St Dominic's church, Rabat.

When she isn't singing, Ms Zerafa works as an assistant lecturer of chemistry at G.F. Abela Junior College.

Dr Morrow, pianist and organist, started her piano studies at the age of six. Since then she has performed as a soloist and took part in several musical events organised at the Manoel Theatre, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Russian Cultural Institute and St James Cavalier.

Besides the piano, Romina also plays the pipe organ, an instrument which she has been studying for the past 16 years under the guidance of Mro Alberto Borg.

She has given organ recitals and accompanied various artists and choirs at local churches. At present she is the main organist at Zabbar parish church.

Tickets for the recital, which cost Lm3, are available from St James by calling on 2122 3200 or email to boxoffice@sjcav.org.