Together in harmony
The sound from a nearby construction site was deafening along Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. But having walked past the noise, further down the lane was a sound that was more pleasant. It was a moment where different voices came together in harmony, to create something truly spiritual.We are shown into a hall where the ladies from ‘Contempo’ were hard at work, preparing themselves for their first major show ‘Forever in song.’ The concert will be showcased at the Lionel Wendt this Friday (April 6) and Saturday (April 7).
Harin
“The piece you heard was an African American Spiritual called ‘Deep River,’” Harin Amirthanathan, the Choral Director of ‘Contempo’, tells me as we sit down. The song deals with the traumatic experiences of the African Americans at a time when slavery was the norm. The piece itself brings a sense of hope. According to Harin, it’s the dynamics and articulation of a song, which delivers its message.
While the girls casually hum a few notes and plan the logistics for the show, we continue our conversation. “I started directing Contempo, quite by accident,” he recalls, adding that this was during June, last year. Harin comes from a classical choral background, whereas Contempo is actually a diverse choir. Nevertheless at the time, he took it up as a challenge.
Having taken up the job, Harin’s first task was to create a sound, which he thought was right with the choir. This was what he worked on during the Asia Pacific Choir games 2017. The ensemble has grown since then, with several school leavers joining in as well. When it comes to the music, the girls certainly don’t hold back and are willing to try different variations of the same song, I am told. This was the plus point which carried them through during the choir games and this is what they’re doing with the show as well.
Their challenge however, lays in the varied repertoire which they’ve planned for the show, which is also “quite contrasting.” It features several classical gospel pieces, to the newer pop/ rock music. But as Harin explains, the positive outcome of the Choir games was that it featured different categories, which Contempo had to adapt to.
So when it comes to the concert, the ensemble strives to take that experience to a whole new level. And what started off as one practice session per week has now become three.
Nevertheless, they are a dedicated bunch who have a lot of fun practicing. Co- Directress of the choir, Amanda Raymond joins in our conversation. Amanda tells me, it’s the girls who chose the music and then ran it by Harin. And whilst there are several options for the taking, they listen to each piece until they decide what best suits their tone.
Amanda first joined the choir in 2010. She recalls that sense of excitement she had at the time, after having worked backstage at one of their shows, during her final year in school. Contempo has grown since then. Each newcomer brings in a different style of singing and this “changed the type of music we used to sing,” she says adding that this helped them develop as a group.
“Forever in song” will feature music from the 80’s, some of the newer Pop tunes and also classical Gospel music. “We’ll also be performing a Bruno Mars favourite, which is one of our happening songs,” Amanda teases.Given the varied choices, they also had to plan the changes carefully, I am told. However, the ensemble did have an idea of where they wanted to go with the show. This also led them to plan for a simple set, but also one that will reflect the song choices.
Amanda explains the choreography for the show is planned by Dilini Perera, who is also a member of the choir. Aside from this Contempo will be backed by Shehan Wijemanne on drums, Shevanka Fernando on Bass, Rukshika Wettasinghe on Piano and also Dhanuksha Seneviratne on keyboard. The school choir of St Bridget’s Convent, who also won an award at the choir games, will be making a guest appearance.
Being their first major production, ‘Forever in song’ will be a stepping stone for Contempo and also an opportunity, where these girls get to showcase what they’re truly made of. But aside from this, they simply hope to stir that sheer joy which only music can bring and give the audience a performance that promises to be unforgettable.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1500, Rs.1000, Rs.800 and Rs.600 (Balcony). And can be purchased at the Lionel Wendt.
Pix by Indika Handuwela