Saints on song

When a few old Bens, from the disbanded 'Choro Benedicte' decided to look for talent outside their school late last year, they simply wanted to indulge in their passion for music. This led to the creation of "Saints", a four-part harmony choral group bringing together old boys of various schools.

Almost a year later, they are all set for their debut concert featuring a selection of light classics and well-loved pop songs on October 12 and 13 at the Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo 7."Incidentally, all the choristers are from the 'Saint' schools, such as St. Benedict’s, St. Peter's, St. Joseph's, St. Thomas' and St. Anthony's College… hence the name "Saints," explained Herman Gunasekara.

All the members have been exposed to choral singing since their schooldays and some have been fortunate to be trained and guided by well-known teachers and musicians of a bygone era, including Lylie Godridge who trained the St. Benedict's College choir, he added. There is an abundance of talent and experience within the group, as seen by their repertoire which embraces songs from Broadway musicals, famous choruses, Black American spirituals, Barbershop favourites, Christmas carols and Sinhala and Tamil songs.

The concert programme consists of three sections: classic, gold and platinum as well as a range of guest performances by Francis D'Almeida, Sweet Inspiration, The Past Bridgeteens' Choir and the duo Denzil and Bosco. The evening's classics include Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Steal Away, The Creations Hymn by Beethoven and The Exodus Song, while the gold collection includes a range of popular songs of yesteryear and from Broadway Musicals such as Yellow Bird, Tears in Heaven, Get me to the Church on Time and Any Dream Will Do.

The choir is trained by Francis D'Almeida and conducted by him as well as Suren Abeysekera. Ryanthie Kumarasinghe will accompany the choir at their debut concert. Entrance is by programme, which is priced at Rs. 400 and available at Lanka Hands Building, Bambalapitiya and at City Bank.

Part proceeds will be donated to the 'Achievers' - an organization which works with differently-abled children located at Park Street.