Sunday Times 2
“Celebration with Song”: Sacred and secular music
The Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour is hosting yet another glorious event soon and wants anyone and everyone who loves some good choral music to come join the “Congregation Choir”. ”Celebration with Song” with organist Neranjan de Silva will take place at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. The programme, as always, will feature some of the best loved sacred and secular music for choir and solo accompanied by de Silva on the custom-built Johannus church organ which has now been at the Cathedral for exactly a year.
While many of the music-focused events at the Cathedral often feature large choirs, de Silva is targeting a bigger one than ever this time with the “Congregation Choir”. Instead of tokens for entrance to the event, the organisers will issue programmes at Rs. 500 each, containing music and full SATB score for all the pieces being performed that evening. The congregation is then converted into the choir, raising one voice beyond the lofts of the Cathedral.
Those who have experienced the glorious sounds of the Johannus Ecclesia D-570 accompanying a powerful choir and congregation need no reminder of how the music soars, lifting spirits to ethereal realms. This is a unique opportunity to become a part of that very same music making process.
The songs are familiar numbers which are easily enjoyed by all and will not be tough for music enthusiasts (with or without training) to join in on. The De Lanerolle Brothers, Eshantha de Andrado and Melanie Bibile will perform special numbers while participating as soloists, and Neranjan de Silva will provide the congregation with a rare treat of popular organ solos as well.
Rehearsals for the event will take place from 6-8 p.m. on the evenings of Sunday, October 18 and Monday, October 26, for those who would like some preparation. Choir Director at the Cathedral, Ishan de Lanerolle, as well as the other half of the De Lanerolle Brothers, Rohan de Lanerolle will be on hand at rehearsals to provide support to any who would like to brush up or be reminded of their tunes.
Programme scores can be collected at the entrance to the event or at a rehearsal. For those interested in getting the scores even earlier, copies are available at Commons, Park Street Mews, the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka Headquarters at Kollupitiya and a number of other convenient locations. Call Neranjan de Silva on 0777 368614 for more information.