Arts
They all sang their hearts out, for a worthy cause
They came together, several musical artistes, with one goal in mind –to raise funds to cover the outstanding payments of renovating the Sacred Heart Convent chapel in Galle.
‘Pulse of the Heartians’, the fundraiser for the chapel was organised by the Sisters of Charity, Galle with the assistance of past pupils and took place at the BMICH on Saturday, April 22. Bathiya and Santhush (BnS), Billy Fernando with 2forty2, Voice Print, Umaria and Hector Dias all took the stage to sing for the cause.
Built in 1914, the chapel – a centre of worship for staff, students of the convent and other devotees stood tall for 120 years, but was found to be in need of repair. The magnificent stained glass windows, which were a unique feature of the chapel, needed to be preserved.
Their prayers were soon answered by the Vatican, which donated Rs. 2 million through the papal fund, in USA. The renovation commenced last year, but their budget shot up to Rs. 7.9 million as roof repairs were also found to be needed.
The restoration went ahead while past students worked hard behind the scenes and the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the restored chapel on November 24, 2016. Funds though are still being raised and this was the reason for this show.
It was the vocals of the talented male ensemble, ‘Voice Print’, which greeted us, as we walked into a crowded BMICH hall. “I will be still and know you are God,” they sang. Their performance wasn’t limited to worship songs, as we soon found out, with their acappella versions of ‘Happy’, “Atha Ran Wiman Thulin” and ‘Why do fools fall in love”.
The group has made a name for themselves in the industry, as an acappella group. But for the first time, they performed a few tracks, backed by a band. “I want it that way”a Backstreet boys cover was first on their list.
Billy Fernando and his band, 2forty2 comprising Bonjo Fernando, Nigel Fernando, Johan Ranmuthugala and Sithara Fonseka were up next, delivering their originals and a few Sri Lankan classics. The audience was also introduced to Billy’s cover version of the classic “Chandra me raepayaawa”, which he performed alongside a talented Nushika Fernando. They soon had the crowd snapping their fingers to the rhythm.
BnS and Umaria
The groovy, reggae and funky set was energetic and uplifting. Nushika, left many in awe, with a powerful but controlled rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Halo’.
As the show progressed, the audience were treated to stunning performances by Hector Dias, Umaria and of course the highly anticipated BnS who singing favourites such “Mal Pen Podak”, “Hitha Nambara Thaleta” and “Hini Peththata” had the crowd singing along.
Music has the power to unite, the power to raise awareness and build up society. This was just what “Pulse of the Heartians” achieved. It built a bridge of friendship and brought so many hearts together for a worthy cause.
Billy Fernando, Nushika Fernando and Sithara Fonseka. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe