The Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture, in collaboration with the Opera Nova Project, and supported by the Mdina Metropolitan Chapter, presents a concert on April 9, 2025, at 8:00pm at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.

From the ancient Greek myth of Pandora to the timeless message of the Christian faith, hope has always held great significance in the human experience. In Pandora’s myth, hope remained the only gift within her box, a symbol of light in the midst of darkness. In this year’s Jubilee of Hope, we are reminded by the words of Romans 5:5; “Hope does not disappoint.” — to hold steadfast to hope, especially in times when it is needed most.

The “Pilgrims of Hope” concert will be conducted by Gillian Zammit and directed by Denise Mulholland, as part of the Jubilee of Hope 2025. This collaboration between the Office of the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture and Opera Nova Project explores hope in various contexts—rooted in faith and the experience of beauty.

The programme features choral works from composers such as John Rutter, Karl Jenkins, and Benjamin Britten. Adult voice students from the Opera Nova Project will unite with the Opera Nova Project Youth Choir in a celebration of hope as a divine and eternal force.

Conductor: Gillian Zammit
Director: Denise Mulholland
Performing Artists: Opera Nova Project Singers, Opera Nova Project Youth Choir, Analise Mifsud, Michael Camilleri

Tickets can be purchased here.

About the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture

In 2023, Archbishop of Malta Charles J. Scicluna entrusted Mgr. Claude Portelli to be the first Delegate for Culture for the Archdiocese of Malta. The office of the Delegate for Culture’s mission is to strengthen dialogue between the Church in Malta and the cultural world through collaboration with Malta’s artistic community and innovation in cultural practice. This includes commissioning, supporting and launching projects amongst various partners and with the support of some of Malta’s most influential cultural exponents.

For more information, visit the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture website.