Capturing a golden era of songs and memories
By Francis D’ Almeida
"Intimations of Eternity 1" produced by musician priest Rev. Fr. Claver Perera brings back some precious moments of the past. This audio album by Fr. Claver which contains 20 priceless pieces of vocal renditions spanning different periods, styles and languages is done with technical support from Neranjan de Silva.

What is unique about this endeavour is that the songs are culled from the recordings of concerts presented by the magnificent choral ensemble, St. Mary's Choral Group, conceived, formed and nurtured by Fr. Claver Perera. It covers a period of 25 years from 1968.

The CD includes recitals given by Lorraine Forbes (Abeysekera) - soprano, Lylie Godridge - baritone and Fr. Claver - tenor. Accompanying them were Prof. Valentine Basnayake (piano) and Neranjan de Silva (organ). In the early stages of its existence, the Group consisted of only male voices, several of them in their late teens. Later it was expanded to include female voices as well.

This CD well exemplifies the metamorphosis of this Group during its long history growing continually in quality and versatility. When Fr. Claver returned in the late sixties from a long spell in Rome, where he gained acclaim as a tenor soloist, it was providential that he was posted to the parish of St. Mary's Church, Bambalapitiya.

With the active encouragement of Rev. Fr. Joe de Mel, he soon set about forming a group of young lads to pass on what he had acquired under the guidance of great musicians in Rome. The new ensemble of singers called themselves "St. Mary's Choral Group" and soon emerged as an excellent male voice choir. It was not only their quality but also frequency of public appearances that set them apart as an innovative and dynamic choral entity.

Perhaps what gave them the all important initial impetus was their achievement in the open competition of western choirs organized by the energetic broadcaster June Boralessa, where the Group reached the top spot. It was acclaimed by Raymond Adlam, a world-renowned musician, as an "exceptionally good performance."
Then came a string of concerts including a rare all-Italian presentation titled "Serata Italiana". Quickly, Fr. Claver upgraded the ability of his singers with regular and intense training by developing individual singing styles as well as the collective tonality, techniques, expressions and balance.

About this time operatic arias and choruses from great composers including Guiseppe Verdi were successfully show-cased. To make this endeavour eminently acceptable, Fr. Claver invited Sri Lanka's great singers to perform in his concerts.

That's how Lorraine Forbes - soprano, Iranganie Goonesinghe - contralto, Navaranjini Olagasekeram - soprano, Mary-Anne David - soprano, Nimal Senanayake - bass and Lylie Godridge - baritone, became involved as soloists in the shows presented by the Group, with Fr. Claver playing the dual role as conductor and tenor soloist.

They used to be accompanied by equally accomplished musicians of the calibre of Prof. Valentine Basnayake (piano), Eileen Prins (violin), Neranjan de Silva (organ) and Lalanath de Silva (flute). During this period, the music lovers of our country were fortunate to enjoy a bonanza of rare musical compositions excellently presented.

This golden era came to an end with the migration of several singers, change of station - as in the case of Fr. Claver who was posted to the Kandy National Seminary and the demise of some. One could only merely reminisce of this period with nostalgia.

The album contains 20 songs, commencing with the Ave Regina Coelitum, featuring both traditional and modern versions and includes inter alia: Parigi O Cara and Miserere from Verdi with Fr. Claver and Lorraine as soloists backed by the choir, Donizetti's Toranami and Funiculi Funicula with Fr. Claver as tenor soloist; Tiritomba by Lylie whose introduction too is featured.... making an interesting digression, and Cielito Lindo by both Lylie and Fr. Claver. The mixed choir's presentation of Over the Rainbow, Carnival of Venice and Silent Night adds flavour.

The all male voice rendition of La Montanara brings back memories of the Choral Group's infant years. The release of the CD "Intimations of Eternity 1" is an attempt to recapture a few of these priceless treasures from live recordings of concerts for us now and for posterity.

Neranjan de Silva, through his techno wizardry and the wonders of digital mastering has made even a few of what had been recorded on a simple two-in-one set, sound well. All in all, the reproduction possesses the seal of quality. ‘Intimations of Eternity1’ will be released shortly. For more details pleae call 011 2611081 on weekdays (during office hours).

Ashan back to perform at theWendt
Acclaimed pianist and violinist Ashan Peiris returns to Sri Lanka to perform at the Lionel Wendt on December 16. Ashan who has performed extensively in Britain, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, India, Gibraltar, Bulgaria, the Caribbean and the USA started playing the piano at the age of four under Mary Billimoria and gave his first radio broadcast on the "Talent Quarter" when he was five.

At 18, Ashan was awarded a scholarship by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music to study piano with Australian concert pianist Piers Lane, and violin with Clarence Myerscough and Jean Harvey at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

While at the academy, Ashan won many awards including the prestigious Harold Craxton chamber music prize, the Leslie England piano prize, Frederick Jackson piano prize and the Helen Eames piano prize for the works of Brahms.

Since leaving the academy, his competition successes include the first prize in the Indianapolis Young Artist Competition in 1998 and a special prize at the Royal Overseas League Competition for the most talented artist in London, UK in 1998.

In May 2001, Ashan moved to South Africa upon completing his pre-med degree in the USA. In the same year he represented the University of Pretoria at the International Symphonic and Piano Competition in the Czech Republic where he won the concerto competition, obtaining a contract to play a series of concerts through the year.
In South Africa he has won the ATKV Forte Competition and was the runner-up at the Unisa Licentiate Performers Scholarship Competition.

Ashan performed this year at the World Symphony Series as a soloist with the KZN Philharmonic and the Johannesburg Philharmonic. He completes his degree in medicine in April 2004.

A magical Christmas with the Thomians
If you take a walk around S. Thomas' College this term, you might hear the strains of "Sweet Bells of Bethlehem" echo in its corridors. It is the most magical time of year, and the Thomians are getting ready to treat theatre-goers in Colombo to a Christmas programme with a difference.

"Christmas Perpetua", directed by Vinodh Senadeera, presented by College Drama Society and produced by Jeevan Goonetilleke, brings together some of the best names in the industry. It will be staged from December 11 to 14, at the College Sports Complex from 8 p.m. onwards.

The first part of "Christmas Perpetua" consists of the Christmas story depicted through a stylized drama with dance and movement, choreographed by Shohan Chandiram, with a chorus of 125 voices directed by Mary Anne David. The second session will comprise an audience sing-along of the much loved Christmas favourites, hosted by Shanaka Amarasinghe and Delon Weerasinghe.

An outdoor mini-carnival, with gifts, and fun stalls, and a variety of food stalls will add to the atmosphere. Tickets priced at Rs 500 and 300 are available at Barefoot, Crescat, the College office and Gym.

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