ECHOES OF HEAVEN II – 2012
The curtains of Nelum Pokuna-Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre (NPMRT) will open for the angelic signing of the choir of St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Batch of 93 of the College.
The choir will sing along with the Choirs of St. Joseph’s Collage, Colombo, St. Peter’s Collage, , Holy Family Convent, Colombo and Our Lady of Victories Convent, Moratuwa on Sunday the 4th of November starting at 6.30 p.m.
A strong combination of male and female voices will be on stage with harmonious singing of songs and hymns, both classical and popular.
The present St. Sebastian’s College choir is the brain child of Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan Fernando, an old boy priest of the College who is presently attached to the tutorial staff as Vice Rector of his Alma Mater. Rev.Fr. Prasad is a musician, a composer and a teacher of music and he is the trainer of the Archdiocesan Choir. It was really his initiative and dedication which brought the College choir to its present excellent standard. As it is today, it can proudly boast of mesmerizing and capturing the hearts of all who enjoy music.
The St. Sebastaian’s College choir consists of all major parts in music, namely soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Given that all its members come from the music loving city of Moratuwa, their full backing and enthusiasm is visible in all aspects of forming and maintaining standards of this choir. A lot of hard work, both from the trainer and trainees, goes in to training the choristers, which includes very regular and systematic practices. The cooperation and the commitment of the parents of the choristers are praiseworthy. From its inception to date they have extended their fullest support and willingness towards building up this choir.
The College choir comprises of students of different age categories ranging from Grade four to Grade thirteen. Most of the juniors thus form the sopranos with their heavenly singing.
The Choir of St. Sebastian’s College has performed to the delight of the people of Moratuwa at the annual carol service of the College for nine consecutive years. Preparations are underway for this year’s Carol Service too. The college choir also organized a choir show named ‘Whispers of Music’ at the Bishop’s College Auditorium in 2006. The batch of ’93 was able to give them a break by organizing the choir show ‘ECHOES OF HEAVEN I’ in 2008 at the BMICH which was a tremendous success. Apart from public shows, the choir has taken part in a number of guest performances as well.
Shihan Chamba, a member of the tutorial staff, an old boy of the college, a talented and highly qualified pianist is presently undertaking the tremendous task of regular practising and training these young choristers.
Andre David, the trainer behind this fantastic performance has worked with the college choir since 2008. His fantastic encouragement has strengthened the faith of our young choristers. He has been training and choreographing choirs and judging competitions for over 12 years. He is the Artistic Director of the Colombo Music Festival and the Founder – Director of the David Academy of Performance and Arts. He is the son of the versatile choral director Mrs. Mary Ann David.
Much glamour will be added to the ‘ECHOES OF HEAVEN II’ with the spectacular dancing of the Channa – Upuli Dancing Troup.
To the question “Why do you want to have and train a western choir?” Rev. Fr. Prasad answered in no unclear terms, “The main purpose of the choir is not only singing. Singing of course is what this choir is for. But more importantly it inculcates in the children good values like unity, punctuality, commitment and silence’. Furthermore he said, ‘They make a lot of sacrifices as members of this choir, but what they learn from here they cannot learn from anywhere else. My children enjoy singing and that is the most important thing’. As to how he manages to keep them in regular practices he said, ‘Discipline in a choir is very important. It includes many things. To train 100 children is no easy task. Therefore I urge them to take responsibility in their roles.
It is noteworthy that all proceeds of this Choir Show will be utilized for the construction of the proposed Sports complex and all proceeds of the previous show Echoes of Heaven I was donated towards the new chapel project of the College. The Batch of ’93 gave the highest donation as a single batch towards the chapel fund totalling to LKR 1.5 Million.
Tickets are available at the College Gate, Sarasavi Bookshop, Nugegoda, Our Lady of Victories Convent, Moratuwa, Kadapatha at Crestcat, K – Zone Moratuwa and also can purchase online via www.etickets.com. Call on, hotline 0771237733 for more details.
TV Times and Daily Mirror are the print Media sponsor of ‘ECHOES OF HEAVEN II’
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