It was indeed a very interesting visit to Rome during the first week of January. As regards myself, personally and professionally the vist proved to be very fruitful. In the first place the Laudate Pueri Choir (January 4) gave an extremely successful concert of a cappella works at the Pontifical Parish of Santa Anna in the Vatican grounds. The packed church, which included two Cardinals, the Bishop of Gozo and several other VIP’s both from the Secular and Religious spheres, heard the choir under their conductor Rev George Frendo interpret works ranging from Palestrina to the present time. I am pleased that three of my works, Sicut Cervus, O Panis Dulcissime and Agnus Dei from Missa Brevis were included in the programme. As usual, Soprano Maria Frendo ‘brought the house down’ with her unique interpretation of the Agnus Dei.

The Laudate Pueri went on to show their mettle when they sung the Pontifical High Mass of the Epiphany  alongside the famed Cappella Sistina Choir in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis. After the Mass we all had the distinct priveledge of having a private audience with His Holiness at his residence in Santa Marta.

During the week I also had an opportunity to discuss with persons ‘in the business’, future projects for Rome and elsewhere