CMSC heralds a classical season
Closing the year in what musical terms would call grandioso the Chamber Music Society of Colombo (CMSC) welcomes Colombo’s classical music connoisseurs to “Holiday Season Gala Concert”. Well known singers -sopranos Dhanushi Wijeyakulasuriya and Anagi Perera, and mezzo soprano Peshali Yapa will make guest appearances along with special performances by the Colombo Philharmonic Choir.
The Chamber Music Society Society
“We didn’t want to do a sing-along,” says CMSC director Lakshman Joseph De Saram bluntly. Since its inception in 2001 the CMSC has consistently provided classical music lovers of Colombo authentic performances, staying true to the many classical programmes they have showcased. An ideal musical collaborator then is the Colombo Philharmonic Choir. Describing their relationship with the choir Lakshman terms it as “essentially a shared ethos, that of an uncompromising approach to serious music and its audience”. Established in 1955 the Colombo Philharmonic Choir is one of the oldest performing choral groups in the country. Some of the chief objectives of the choir were to sustain the live performance of good choral music for the enjoyment and appreciation of listeners and performers alike,” explains conductor Manilal Weerakoon. Endeavouring to maintain this mission in the present times despite growing constraints in upholding artistic values he adds that they are fortunate in having a group of mostly young singers who show exceptional commitment to the values of the founders Dr. Gerald Cooray and Kalasuri Lylie Godridge
The Colombo Philharmonic Choir
Having begun practising in September, the CMSC will accompany the choir on several well known Christmas carols. Among the repertoire for the evening will be a few celebrated classical pieces keeping with the Christmas spirit. “Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ for three solo voices, mixed chorus and orchestra is a most elegant way to herald in the season,” explains Lakshman about the interesting selection. Initially composed for a female choir, Gloria has been arranged to suit the entire choir for the upcoming show.
Adding to the Christmas spirit is The Toy Symphony. Quite literally a symphony of horns, whistles and other toys one would associate with children and gifts under the Christmas tree, this Christmas classic is one he describes as quirky in a classical sense and likely to appeal to the audience’s sense of humour.
“Holiday Season Gala Concert” will be presented by the Chamber Music Society of Colombo at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on Friday, December 5 at 7.30 p.m. The concert will be held in Galle Fort the following day at the historic Dutch Reformed Church. Tickets, priced at Rs.2000, Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000, and Rs. 500 will be available at the Lionel Wendt box office (for the Colombo concert). The concerts are supported by CMSC’s premier sponsor Fairway Holdings.