Choro Calibre: an ensemble of dynamic male and female voices is geared to make choral history in the island with ‘This Is It’: one they hope to make a “trademark concert of an international level”.

This concert is a celebration of four successful years as a versatile youth choir and aims to be a single platform where diverse genres of music of different eras will be brought alive using state-of-the-art technology and four-part arrangements meticulously penned by Director, Shamal De Silva himself. Choro Calibre will be accompanied by the band ‘Miracle’, also lead by Shamal and proceeds of the event will be towards the Community Building Extension Project at All Saints' Church, Borella.

Choro Calibre, formed in 2009 by Shamal De Silva, comprises of choristers from all walks of life nurtured by choirs of leading schools in Colombo.  The Choir participated at the ‘Asia Cantate 2012’ and clinched a Silver diploma in the folk category and two bronze diplomas in the Chamber category. 2010 saw the release of their debut Christmas album titled ‘Feliz Navidad’, subsequently releasing an original ‘Ape Naamaya Sri Lanka’ in view of the Cricket World Cup 2011 composed by Luigi Bernard, Shamal and a few other members of the choir.

Pieces from the renowned “Phantom of the Opera” will mark the beginning of ‘This Is It’ which will also include segments ranging from Classical with Carl Orff's Carmina Buranal and Enigma to Ethnic music that’ll include the choir’s award winning act – the ‘Wannam Medley’ and Retro with choral renditions from the classic 70s to the scintillating 90’s. The evening will also include a Modern segment where an array of contemporary music including house, hip-hop and techno will take spotlight followed by a Country Segment and Dance Segment that’ll get toes tappin’!

Warren, who has been  a part of Choro Calibre since its inception, commenting on what will define ‘This Is It’ and serve to make history in Sri Lanka’s choral panorama said, “We have always kept to our slogan, ‘expect the unexpected’ and that’s what defines us. We always aim at raising the bar and this time, we are ready make ‘This Is It’ and epic performance… It’s definitely going to be a memorable evening and that’s a promise!”. Malshi who is also a founding member of the choir said, “being one of the few mixed choirs in Sri Lanka we have come a long way during the past four years. What makes us unique is the fact that we sing and dance together instead of usual choir choreography…”.

Commenting on how enriching the experience has been in the run up to the concert, Amanda who is a relatively junior member of the choir said, “words cannot express my experience with the choir since I joined in January. It has been simply amazing. ‘This Is It’ will be breakthrough for Choro Calibre itself as we have worked really hard and we’re doing something out of the ordinary.” Speaking to Daily Mirror at the launch of the concert, Director Shamal commented on the technical aspect of the concert saying, “Musically, we want to give our best. We’re looking at all detailed elements including lights, costumes, props and special effects. We like singing… every time we sing, we sing for a cause. ‘This Is It’ will no doubt bring out the best of us.”

 ‘This Is It’ will go on boards on the 25^th of November at 7 p.m. at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre. Tickets priced at Rs. 5000, Rs. 3500, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 are available on www.tickets.lk , Vibrations, Yamaha Music Centre and Sadeepa and Sarasavi Bookshops. Grab yours today and be a part of a groundbreaking musical extravaganza! 

By Sapthika Jacob