Arts

One of Sri Lanka’s well known baritones Rohan de Lanerolle Jr, will perform at a concert of seasonal music at St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk on December 29 at 7.30 p.m. The proceeds of the concert will go to helping the differently-abled children of the Jana Udana Foundation, Tissamaharama.

Much loved carols such as The Three Kings, Jesu Bambino, O Holy Night and Mary’s Boy Child will be sung by Rohan with the all-male choral ensemble “The Revelations” performing all-time favourites such as “Do you hear what I hear,” “Shepherds Cradle Song,” “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland,” among many others. The congregation will also be given an opportunity to join in the congregational carols.

Rohan has had recitals in the UK, U.S.A and Singapore, and is to perform in Malaysia in 2007. His collaborations include performances with Soundarie David, Dhilanthi Fernando and the internationally acclaimed Rohan De Silva. He counts as his mentors Kalasuri Lylie Godridge and Choir Master Russel Bartholomeusz, and is at present, studying with vocal coach Professor Kenneth Woollam of the Royal College of Music, London.

Singing varied genres of music has been a passion throughout his career, and this will be his first charity show.

The concert will also showcase a guest performance by the LG Singers, bringing out the rich sounds of all male choral music. Founded by the late Lylie Godridge in 1962, the motto of the LG singers is “Service in Song,” – all their performances are for charity.

Entrance for the performance is by programme priced at Rs.300, which will be available at the Scots Kirk premises. Arrangements have been made for parking in front of the Galle Face Hotel.

The Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Polwatte, Colombo 3 will have its carol service, as is traditional, today December 24 at 6 p.m.

This year the readings will be the traditional Bible readings and the choir will sing carols for choir only, interspersed with popular carols for choir and congregation.

The service begins with the Processional Hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful”, (which follows the Introit), as the choir moves up the aisle and ends with the recessional hymn “The First Nowell” during which the crib will be blessed and the children will be invited to bring gifts to be laid at the crib to be given to the needy children of the area.

The choir will be directed by Dr. Lalith Perera and at the pipe organ will be Denham Pereira, who is back after a two-year stint in Manchester.