“Never Thirst Again”: Easter fundraiser for Cancer Hospital
This Easter, join the Choir of the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour as they present “Never Thirst Again”, a programme to raise funds for patients at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. The programme will be on Monday, March 28 at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour on Bauddhaloka Mawatha (next to the BMICH).
The Cathedral choir has made a name for itself with these shows; “The choir puts in a lot of time and love into what we do,” says chorister Chamindhi Abeywarna. “It is beautiful that so many people who have so many different commitments still make time to meet up every week to bring the music to life. Our motivation rests on making beautiful music to draw people closer to God, while using that to make life a little more pleasant for another human being.”
Shanaz De Lanerolle will also perform, along with her husband, choir director Ishan. She says of the choir’s schedule- “during the last few months of 2015 we were busy preparing for our Advent programme ‘Darkness into Light’ and our Carol services which were held in November and December respectively. This year, we’ve been putting in quite a few rehearsals for our Good Friday and Easter Sunday programmes.”
The Cathedral choir will be the core of the performance, but they’ve teamed up with the clergy and accompanists for a programme brimming with some challenging pieces. “The music reflects the meaning of the Holy week in its entirety,” says Anila De Silva. “For this performance the choir will be singing to a pre-recorded orchestral track. This is extremely challenging for the choir as pre-recorded tracks are very unforgiving. The music however, is beautiful and through its narration, music and lyrics we hope it will capture the hearts and souls of all who hear it. My favourite piece in this cantata is Hallelujah! Christ is Risen, which reflects on Jesus’s resurrection.”
‘Never Thirst Again’ will raise funds to buy pillows for patients at the Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. Dilsarah Derrick, a younger member of the choir noted that while simple, the cause was important. “As some of the patients at the wards don’t have much time left, I think being able to give them that peaceful sleep is the least we can do. A good pillow to rest on helps.”
‘Never Thirst Again’, an Easter Programme by the choir of the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour will happen on March 28 from 6.30 pm. Entrance is by programme (Rs 500) available at the Commons Café and Park Street Mews.