NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL, 24 June 2025 — As part of Malta’s Cultural Programme during its Presidency of the Council of Europe, the national choir KorMalta captivated audiences with a moving performance at Strasbourg’s historic Notre-Dame Cathedral on 24 June 2025.
The concert commemorated the 500th anniversary of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, featuring a profound interpretation of Missa Papae Marcelli, widely regarded as his finest sacred work.
The evening’s programme blended Renaissance polyphony and Gregorian chant with sacred music by Maltese composers Ruben Zahra, Emanuele Galea, and Carlo Diacono, creating a reflective and timeless musical journey that bridged centuries of sacred tradition.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Hon. Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela, Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Dr Ian Borg, and the Maltese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Also present were the President of PACE, Mr Theodoros Rousopoulos, Ambassadors, representatives of the Maltese community in Strasbourg, and members of the Strasbourg public.
Following the concert, a reception was held at the nearby Münsterhof hall, offering guests a taste of traditional Maltese cuisine. The menu was crafted by two of Malta’s highly regarded chefs, Mr Carl Zahra and Mr Miguel Farrugia, who served homemade traditional specialties such as pastizzi, imqaret, and qassatat, showcasing the island’s culinary heritage to the local Strasbourg guests.
In their remarks, the Hon. Prime Minister and the President of PACE highlighted the key role of culture in diplomacy and the importance of strengthening European unity through shared values. “This evening reflects what culture truly is. Not something old and distant – but something alive. Something that connects us”, the Prime Minister emphasised. The event was organised by the Permanent Representation, together with an artistic team led by Artistic Director Mr Sean Buhagiar.
