Presented by the choir of The Cathedral of Christ the Living Savior, “Darkness into Light”, a Christmas musical journey will be held on November 30 at 6.30pm in aid of the Cathedral Outreach Fund and the Cancer Hospital Maharagama. Entrance is by Programme at Rs. 500/- and is available at the Commons Coffee House and Park Street Mews.
The Daily Mirror Life caught up with those involved in this special musical journey.
Tell us a little bit about this event.
Fr Perry Brohier : Very much like life which is a pilgrimage we proceed from one stage to another ... similarly this is a journey from darkness to light 'in Christ'.
What is it like to be a part of a choir consisting of choristers of all ages?
Shanti Gnanapragasam : I guess a mixed ages choir is normal when it comes to church choirs, where people believe in inclusion and making others feel welcome. We have choristers who have been singing from their young days who gladly welcome new voices. This helps increase choir numbers over the years. The Cathedral choir is diverse not only in age but in culture, worship and music preferences. Music is a great way to bond and I think we have lots of fun at practices and when presenting our talent to congregation and God. I try to avoid cliques forming, seating is regularly changed, and we're quite used to singing alongside different voices and harmony lines. Our repertoire is also mixed up like the choir - we sing songs and hymns from the 15th to the 21st centuries! Everyone contributes with suggestions for improvement. And the best part of having the mature singers is the food that's provided on a regular basis!
How long have you been having focused practices for?
Tara Ramanayake : There has been a structured programme of practices over the past 4 months focused on delivering a spectacular start to the season of advent, but there have been no extra practices.
What motivates you to attend practice sessions every week and every Sunday for service?
Aruni Wijayaratna : Because we sing for the love of it. Some of us are not great, or even good singers, but we love doing it. And here we can do it and feel comfortable and happy with no one really criticising us.
What are the numbers you will be performing? What can we expect from this concert?
Srimanthaka Senanayake : ‘Darkness into Light’ which is a new 40-minute musical by Mary Macdonald that blends new anthems with classic carols (such as Silent Night, O come all ye faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels sing etc.), all woven together with narration. The idea is that just as Mary and Joseph travelled from darkness into light, and Jesus brought the world from darkness into light, we too can choose a path of moving from darkness into the Light of Christ. Perhaps the most enjoyable part is that all the various styles emerge in a concerted effort to make the music both interesting and inspiring. Each song has a fresh approach and comes to life even more with the orchestrations of Ed Hogan.
What has it been like directing the concert? Is there anything different we can look forward to?
Ishan de Lanerolle : Co directing the choir with Srimanthaka Senanayake assisted by Jonathan Gnanapragasam has been a delightful experience. Also working with a choir varied in age culture has been amazing, the loud voice the soft voices through time has started complimenting each other. I am very proud of the choir and the journey it has made. However as I always tell them there is always room for improvement. Anything different - well yes, but that's a surprise you need to come and see for yourself.
Interviewed by Rihaab Mowlana
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