The Prestantia Chorale presents ‘Wounds of Healing’, to celebrate the Lent and Easter season
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The Prestantia Chorale in collaboration with Chraft (Christian Arts Foundation) will present “Wounds of Healing”, a choral reflection for the fourth consecutive year to celebrate the Lent and Easter season. The programme will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo 7, on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m (free admission). The chorale will raise funds through a “Free will love offering” for the Deaf & Blind School in Ratmalana.
The music is directed by Dr. Priyeshni Peiris Perera and the original script is adapted from Steve Moore’s narrative based on the human struggle of disciple Thomas’s refusal to believe and experience the inner healing which comes through Christ.
The Prestantia Chorale was formed in February 2013 under the musical direction of Dr. Priyeshni P. Perera. Dr. Perera, who obtained her Doctorate in Music from the Texas Tech University, USA returned to Sri Lanka in 2010 and established the Prestantia School of Music(www.music.edu.lk) and linked the choir calling it “The Prestantia Chorale.” Prestantia means ‘excellence’ in Latin. She is a full-time lecturer at the Department of Western Music at the University of Visual & Performing Arts (UVPA), Colombo 7.
The chorale had its beginnings in 2013 when eight people were invited to sing at an Easter morning service at the Holy Emmanuel Church (HEC) by Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando, now Archdeacon- Nuwara Eliya Diocese. Keeping with tradition as it were, the Chorale has continued to present an Easter-themed choral production each year; “The Borrowed Tomb” in 2014 and 2015 and “On Angels Wings” in 2016.
The choir consists of 22 passionate singers who devote their time to sing with the Prestantia Chorale. They are; Pavithra Madapatha,Ranthilini Fernando, Sudarshi Nonis, Sunara Ranasinghe, Praveeni Fernando, Prashanthi Perera, Privanka De Mel, (Dr) Amal Shehan Perera, Janaka Fernando, Melantha Fernando, Wasantha Kumara Geekiyanage, (Rev) Upul Fernando, Shavan De Mel, Pabasara Jayarathne, Tharaka Peiris, Dave Fernando and Shamal Fernando, Michelle Refuge, Sanduni Perera, (Dr) Sanuri Pandikorala and Siroshni Illangage. The group consists of professional and amateur musicians who are bankers, doctors, lawyers, clergy, engineers and music practitioners by profession.
The songs include a Classical to Contemporary repertoire. With the energetic and lush choral harmonies of Thomas Rutter, David Clydesdale, Steve Townsend & Keith Getty and selections from “The Messiah” by G.F.Handel combined with the creative writing abilities of Steve Moore, this Easter musical dramatically portrays the story of Christ’s death and resurrection through the eyes of three symbolic characters namely Thomas, Peter, and Mary Magdalene.
The Junior Choir of the Prestantia Music School will join in.