Adding their voices to the seasonal cheer
The air was buzzing with conversation and laughter as waiters dressed in white served a sumptuous meal. Throughout the hall, the sound of people enjoying themselves could be heard. This was the setting to which the De Lanerolle brothers performed their recent concert, ‘Together for Christmas’. However, when the songs were being performed, not a sound could be heard. It was evident that everyone had come for the music as much as the food.
The brothers started the evening off in their signature harmony with ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’, continuing the performance with Christmas classics such as ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Mary’s boy child’. Notable performances included ‘Ave Maria’, a song which was perfectly suited to their voices and ‘Silent Night’, where the audience turned impromptu choir.
Rohan De Lanerolle kept the crowd going with his usual humorous comments. Younger audience members were asked to cover their ears before they sang ‘I saw mummy kissing Santa Claus’, and he even poked fun at the hard work which they had done in preparation for the concert. Before singing ‘Away in a manger’, they explained that they would sing them in three different tunes, following which Rohan informed the audience that it was alright if they didn’t understand the distinction because even they sometimes didn’t understand it but went ahead anyway. Compere for the evening Savithri Rodrigo also kept the show going in her usual style, making the show interesting with her lively commentary. Towards the end of the evening, the brothers walked towards the tables greeting old friends and wishing everyone for the season.
Christmas music the De Lanerolle way (above) and some members of the audience. Pix by Ranjith Perera
