When the old Joes go carolling
A quick stroll through the entrance of St Joseph’s College, and slight chill is felt in the air, not too cold but just right.
A group of students busied themselves with setting up a crib, whilst others worked on the shooting star. Just in that moment, the familiar sound of carols can be heard, it’s that time of the year again and ‘That’s Christmas to me’.
The Old Joes’ Choir is back and this time they hope to leave their mark for the season with their maiden christmas concert ‘That’s Christmas To Me’, which will take place at the Russian Cultural Centre Colombo 7 on December 18 and 19 from 7.30 pm onwards.
Last year (2014) was quite a special one for the choir, who were crowned world champions in the Barbershop category at the World Choir games in Latvia. This was shortly after their own concert in Sri Lanka, ‘Evolution the Worldstage’.
However, following their return to the country, the choir went through a ‘transition’ period. And for a while even though they thought of putting together a show, logistically it was impossible at the time.
This season however the OJC will be fulfilling a long-time dream of theirs which is to put together a christmas programme of their own. “This has been on our minds for a long time,” choir leader Nigel Lord says. He adds that the choir has done many contemporary shows previously.
“This will be the first of many shows to come.”
‘That’s Christmas to me’ just like the sound of it, promises to deliver that warm and welcoming feeling of the season. The line-up consists a range of songs that tap into the emotional side of the listener.
On this note the performances will feature a range of pop, jazz and barbershop arrangements of traditional christmas carols along with some of the modern takes of the season composed by Pentatonix etc.
Chorister Aushadie Wickramasinghe tells us in terms of selecting the music; it was a constant process of searching. “The choral directors look until they find something that catches their attention. They also consider if it will be interesting to perform.”
He promises that all the songs will maintain a balance between sticking to tradition and adding a special touch which the choir has become known for.
After its formation in 1997 the OJC went on to work with some of the great names in the industry, such as the Soul Sounds choir, the De Lanerolle brothers, Revelations, Contempo and the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka.
The Choristers tell us that performing for the OJC is no easy task. Practices go on for about four hours, three days a week and just like any other choir, the OJC themselves face several obstacles.
“We are a choir composed of professionals and those who have just left school. Fixing a date where everyone can attend practices is therefore quite the task,” reminisces, leader Shiran Cooray.
But these 20 talented men are driven by their love for music and despite the numerous challenges set before them the OJC has pulled through all these years, delivering remarkable performances at each of their shows.
The OJC also comprises several new faces this year. However that uniquesound, truly personal to them still lies at the heart of the choir. This is the direct result of the choir’s desire to help each other.
“We try to help each other out because in the end we are one big family,” Chorister, Amal Rodrigo says. He adds that as a rule there are no divisions by age. However the administrative decisions of the choir are left in the hands of the seniors.
This is solely because of their experience. But where the music is concerned nobody is too young or old to share their opinion. The influence of Choral Director Nishantha Warnakulasuriya has also played a key role with the newcomers, Amal reflects.
Their music usually comprises a range of classical and modern twists and the choir is after all known for their ability to perform Barbershop music. In terms of being different all of their concerts weren’t your everyday type of shows.
“We’ve managed to mix things up by adding a bit of drama into our shows with a story line etc. What we bring newly to the table is definitely the whole genre of barbershop music,” Nigel says.
He adds that their trip to Latvia showed the choir that some people who love barbershop music did not know that the genre had reached Sri Lanka, until they had seen the OJC videos on their Facebook page and Youtube.
“They were delighted to see that and were quite impressed at the same time.”
“That’s Christmas to me” won’t be a stand and deliver type of concert, rather the audience can expect something ‘different’,” Nigel adds.
Tickets for the concert are priced at Rs. 1,500 and will allow the holder to gain access to the show as well as a fellowship afterwards.
For more information log on to their FB page https://www.facebook.com/TheOldJoesChoir/