On Tuesday 4 April 2023, the highly anticipated Stabat Mater event took place at St John's Co Cathedral in Valletta, featuring Mro Christopher Muscat's oratorio. The performance was conducted by Muscat himself and included the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Kor Malta, Jubilate Deo Choir, Caroline Bruker (an internationally renowned soprano), and Josef Bugeja (cantor). The event was organised by the Research, Innovation, and Development Trust at the University of Malta (RIDT). The evening was a resounding success, with the quality of the music and the emotional impact leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
RIDT expressed their gratitude to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, APS Bank, St John's Co Cathedral Foundation, the Malta Tourism Authority, Remax Crown (Sliema), Air Malta, Grand Hotel Excelsior, Manoel Theatre, and Net TV for their support, without which the event would not have been possible.
The event was held to support medical research, and donations can be made online. Overall, the Stabat Mater event was a truly unforgettable experience that showcased the remarkable talent of Malta's musical community and highlighted the importance of supporting scientific research.
Established in 2011, RIDT is intended to attract funds from private and corporate bodies to be used to maximise and exploit the research milieu at the University of Malta, and to foster the commercial exploitation of research.
Photo credit: Joseph Galea