Come, listen to a sea of voices

A combined choir featuring over 400 choristers from ten schools will raise their voices in a service of praise singing a selection of sacred hymns today, Sunday, September 30 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour in Bauddhaloka Mawatha.
The schools participating are Ladies’ College, Methodist College, Bishop’s College, Royal College, St. Benedict’s College, St. Joseph’s College, St. Peter’s College, St. Thomas’ College Preparatory School, Wesley College and S. Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia. This service is organized by the Special Events Team of the Old Boys’ Association of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia to raise funds needed for urgent renovation of the College Chapel.

More than a fund-raising activity, this is seen as an event which would unite choristers of different schools, bringing out the best of their talents, says Surekha Amarasinghe, director of the Ladies’ College choir, adding that it is a great experience for students to learn from each other and share their knowledge of music.

Each school has a distinct tradition and style of singing, a combination of which will add variety and colour to the event, adds Surekha. The combined choir will sing three hymns, namely, ‘Praise the Lord Almighty’, ‘Sing a Jubilant Song’ and ‘To God be the Glory’. In addition individual school choirs will also perform a mix of traditional songs of worship and praise, explains Mahen Peiris, director of the Methodist College choir.

Neranjan De Silva will accompany the choirs. The Archbishop of Colombo, the President of the Methodist Church and the Anglican Bishop of Colombo will be participating at the event which will also include congregational hymns sung in all three languages.

Entrance will be free. A special collection for the renovation of the S. Thomas College Chapel will be taken.