The Saints in Concert 2014’: A journey of memories
View(s):
Gladwyn Ramanadan
With just a nod of his head, Suren Abeysekera holds the reigns firmly over the seasoned voices. Together for about nine years ‘The Saints’ by now have come to know exactly what their conductor means by each manoeuvre of his hand. Stationed in front of the choir for every performance, “I don’t get to see the audience” Suren says, but being greeted by the cheering at the end of a number makes all the hard work worth it. Practises have been under way since February he tells us, “Which is always the case” for the group, who manage a concert every year. Growing from a five piece group to a fuller choir of 12 and gathering an appreciative set of fans along the way, this year’s ‘Saints in Concert-2014’ is to take the audience on a journey to the past on November 9.
Graeme Berhes
Twice a week since February, Allan Perera’s house “gets a little noisy in the evenings” he laughs. Opening up his home for the choir to practice, he feels it’s the “home atmosphere” that has seeped into their music and added a touch of warmth that the audiences have immediately noticed.
Ranging from men in their twenties to those in their sixties, The Saints share more than just their love for music. With varied interests and some common interests, like cricket, “We have a lot of fun” President of ‘The Saints’ Nalake Fernando says. For most of the choristers “who still think we are young” singing brings back memories of being in their respective school choirs.
Keny Pereira
Enjoying being on stage with each other, the choir has also extended their fellowship to their families. “We have a family gathering” smiles Keny Pereira, “at least twice a year.” Singing ever since he gained confidence when a teacher during his schooling at St. Mary’s Dehiwala singled him out to sing a part he says “I don’t come from a singing family.” A chance to meet the supportive families of his fellow choristers has been one of Rohan Fernando’s best memories. The only old Thomian in the ensemble he remembers being hauled-in by his neighbour to the second practice ‘The Saints’ had as a group.
Nalaka Fernando
Russell gomesz
A slightly newer member to the group, Beverly Lappen was invited to join about two years ago. Musicality runs in his family with “siblings who are all in bands.” Beverly’s kind of music has always been tilted towards the classical side. Singing with the Lylie Godridge Singers he feels the music ‘The Saints’ have to offer is very different, making it an entirely different experience to perform with this crowd. Graeme Bertus is one of the newest additions to group. Joining in April he says the first few practices made him feel “like a bit of a newcomer” but that soon wore off and he says “everyone is treated as equally important.”
Placi Gomez
Rohan Fernando
Veteran Musician Russell Gomesz has been a part of two bands prior to his involvement with this choir. Bringing his expertise on board he helps out with the creative side of things for the Saints ever since he became a part of the group, about seven years ago. Media Personality, Placi Gomes too lends his voice to the Saints and is the designated compere for all their concerts. Amazed and encouraged by the appreciation they receive he feels the fact that there is demand for the kind of music they make is a “nice, yet humbling feeling.”
Priyanke Perera
Suren Abeysekera
This year’s line –up is as usual to be hits from the 60’s through to the 70’s, Priyanke Perera who chips in with training the choir. tells us. Much like his fellow choristers, Gladwyn Ramanaden too has been a part of the group for two reasons- the love of music and the fond memories of growing up with a passion for singing that come to life. Hoping to take you along on their journey of memories, ‘The Saints in Concert 2014’ is scheduled to take the stage on November 9 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Tickets priced at Rs. 1,500, 1,000, 750 for reserved seats and Rs. 500 for balcony seats are available at the Wendt.
