We parents and grandparents who were present at the “The Music’s Always There” concert, presented by young Thomians, and held on Sunday, July 20, at the Empire Ballroom of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, were entertained to a thoroughly delightful and entrancing show given by Nuovo Vita. The group comprises young old boys, past choristers of the college, along with an all-Thomian Choir, ably and enthusiastically led by Vinodh Senadeera, director, college teacher and guide.
Before the concert I spoke to the producer, Jith Pieris, an old Thomian himself and a veteran theatre man. He wondered whether two-and-a-half hours of choir music would be too much for the audience, even the most ardent fans of music of this genre. He was even considering abridging the show.I braced myself for the experience of listening to some “serious” choir music, and to my surprise and delight, it all turned out differently. There was variety, vivacity and a fund of fine talent on display, including solo events, one following the other in quick succession.
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| Little college choristers sing out lustily |
First came the Thomian college orchestra, playing on an upper level of the stage, and remarkably good they were, especially the wind section. Next came a group of seven to eight guitarists, perched on high stools. They did an excellent job, playing a variety of medleys, setting the tone for the highlight of the evening – the choristers.
One following the other, the choir and the soloists rendered beautifully, and with aplomb, perennials from Rogers and Hammerstein (“Whistle A Happy Tune”), Eric Clapton (“Wonderful Tonight”), “Save the Last Dance” and “Danny Boy” as solos, a Beatles medley, “Memory” from Andrew Lloyd Webber, and much more, too many to mention. Never was there a dull moment.
The little college choristers (including my toe-tapping grandson), smartly outfitted in red, blue and purple jackets, proved themselves as dancers too. They danced to the tuneful “Rock and Roll” and other lilting numbers.
One pint-sized chorister (Movin Jayasinghe, I think) took the house (which was full to overflowing) by storm with an improvised act. He stood all by himself after the other boys had left the stage and sang the last few lines of the chorus with uninhibited glee. My wife thought he was “cute”. He received a huge, and well-deserved, round of applause.
There is so much more I would like to say, but let me wrap up by remarking on the stage lighting, which was resplendent and attuned to each of the several performances.
The organisers must be congratulated on the smooth flow of events that night. We look forward to more such concerts in the future. May the music be there always and for ever: – Esto perpetua!
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