Arts
Contempo’s ‘Joyful Hope’ tomorrow!
December has arrived and it ushers in the Christmas season brimming with joy, laughter and of course, carols! Contempo, the past pupils’ choir of St. Bridget’s Convent has been part of many Christmas performances and this year, will present their first solo Christmas Concert ‘Joyful Hope’, alongside a guest performance by the Old Joes’ Choir.
Sharing a passion for singing: Former Bridgetines with Choir Director Harin Amirthanathan. Pix by Ishanka Sunimal
The concert, at the Russian Cultural Centre tomorrow, (December 9), promises to be a joyful evening of carols and songs that will warm the hearts of the audience especially as all proceeds will be in aid of the charities, the Soup Bowl Centre and Marc Sri Sarana Sewa.
“We have never had our own Christmas concert. That is why we wanted to have one this year, not a big show but something very intimate. We wanted to do this in aid of the two charities,” say co-directors Shaluki Perera and Shannon Salgadoe as they talk to us about putting together ‘Joyful Hope’.
Both Shannon and Shaluki joined Contempo right after school in 2012 and 2009 respectively, and share that it was something natural for them to join the choir as it was a way for them to keep in touch as well as continue singing.
“Most of us were already in school choirs and it just felt natural for us to join the past pupils’ choir. We all kind of knew each other from school days and it is just a way to keep singing – we all have that dedication and passion that we share,” says Shannon who has been singing since she was nine.
Traditional Christmas carols in new arrangements are on the programme of course, also gospel, classical, jazz to pop songs for the season. “A whole variety of pieces, from the sacred pieces that are known and then more concert performance pieces on the Christmas aspect,” Choir Director Harin Amirthanathan who has been with the choir since 2017 says.
It was quite a challenge working with a collegiate choir in the beginning as he was more rooted in classical and academic music and Contempo as the name suggests was more used to performing contemporary music but they soon found a happy balance.
Harin Amirthanathan
Shannon Salgadoe
Shaluki Perera
Both the vocal quality of the choir as well as the interpretation of the music are aspects that matter. From the words, the dynamics of the music, tonal color and texture, Harin approaches the performances in a very holistic manner. “It is a good time for us in song to be reminded of the joy and magic of Christmas in preparation for that day. It is something that is going to accompany everyone or compliment in that journey,” he smiles.
Choir member Sanjana Selvarajah, a happy mother of two, laughs as she tells us that she used to perform even while pregnant and so her kids are musically inclined as well. “I have been in Contempo since around 2006 or 2007. When I left school, this choir was something that I first got involved in, as a past pupil. It was a way of keeping the Bridgetian spirit going,” she shares.
Dilini Perera who joined the choir in 2010 tells us why she has put her heart and soul into practising for the concert. “It is for such a good cause and that is what we have rallied behind, especially with the year that we have been through. It is always good to spread a little hope.”
“I think everyone here is quite passionate about singing and singing in the choir and when you are with the choir, your age or other differences don’t matter. Practice time is something you look forward to,” says Shenalie Dias, a relatively new member, having joined the choir in 2017.
The charities that Contempo will be supporting with this concert are the Soup Bowl Centre which provides lunch every Friday for more than 160 underprivileged persons and the Marc Sri Sarana Sewa – a home for disabled orphans and the destitute.
Tickets for Joyful Hope are priced at Rs.1200 and are available at the Russian Cultural Centre. You can also contact 0776722773 (Shannon) to reserve your tickets.