Looking quite Eclectic on stage
Giving school choirs around Colombo their chance to shine, ‘Eclectic’ – recently presented by Methodist College while primarily focusing on the Methodist College Choir directed by Sanjeev Jayaratnam, had guest performances by the choirs of Bishop’s College, Ladies’ College, S.Thomas’ College, Wesley College and S. Thomas’ Preparatory School.
Methodist College Choir. Pix by Ishanka Sunimal
The performances saw a plethora of different music from contemporary hits to African music to gospel songs. The versatile performances, showcased the rich talent of today’s young singers, but most of all highlighted the talent of the Methodist College Choir.
“Choral singing has a number of physical and psychological benefits, as studies have shown. Singing in a group offers individuals a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves, while also making one feel needed by a larger community. The experience of making music together inspires a sense of awe, not just for observers, but for the participants themselves. I am very glad that the Methodist College Choir has taken the initiative to organize this evening’s event, with the participation of five other schools in Colombo,” Principal of Methodist College Hiranya Fernando said.
First to hit the stage was the Methodist College choir with their‘African Medley’. Wearing robes of red, blue and yellow with beaded chains the performance was upbeat with foot stamps and claps. Their second performance was ‘Abide with Me’ highlighting the power and beauty of their voices. In their performance of ‘Lullaby’, the “Lu LuLu” the harmony was spellbinding.
From the guest performances, S.Thomas’ Preparatory School performed songs on the thematic lines of empathy and kindness with ‘Be more Kind’ and ‘You Gotta Be’ a performance full of good vibes where you could tell that each of the choristers was having a blast.
Bishop’s College performed two songs, ‘A Red Robin’ and ‘A Friend Like Me’. The former showcased their vocal skills, the latter from Aladdin, showed their capabilities of being able to dance as well as sing at the same time.
S. Thomas’ College hit the stage with their African spiritual number ‘Siyahamba’, as well as ‘Brown- eyed’ and ‘Hoiya’ while Ladies’ College delighted the audience with ‘I believe’ and ‘I will follow him’, switching tempo with the Lion King favourite, ‘He lives in you’.
The last guest performance was by Wesley College, with their rendition of ‘Somebody to love’ a massive crowd pleaser, sung with much passion.
Saving the best for the last the Methodist College choir wrapped up the show with the ‘Mamma Mia Medley’ – ‘I have a Dream,’ ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘SOS’, ‘Take a Chance on Me,’ ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Thank You for the Music’ and ‘Waterloo’ — fast, upbeat and incredibly soulful, as they danced and sang their hearts out, showing clearly why they are regarded as one of the best school choirs in the country.
It was a well coordinated show that was a massive hit with the audience. And the singers’ joy in performing that shone brightly on their faces was a joy to see.
Bishop’s College Choir
Ladies’ College Choir
Wesley College Choir