“Breaking barriers of language and religion through music,” is the message that band Voices in Praise (VIP) sends to the world each time they perform. The group will take the stage yet again on August 14 at the Bible House Auditorium, Galle Road.
“Language or religion should not be the criteria by which we confine ourselves to anything,” believes VIP band coordinator Johnson Gnanadass.
The band, which is a Gospel band, performs in various languages.
“We sing songs in English, Sinhala, Tamil, Korean, Greek and Latin languages,” he says.
Another unique aspect of the band is that it doesn’t charge for its performances.
“God has given us the ability to sing. So we do not charge for our performances. We are singing to praise God. We regard this as a huge opportunity that we can sing praising God in front of the world,” Johnson says.
The most important message that the band promotes through its concerts is the message of peace. “The event on August 14 is free and no one will be charged and anyone can walk in. We want people to have a good time and also voice their opinions about our performance,” Johnson says.
There is an integration of Buddhists, Hindus and Tamils in the band. The band was formed in 2004, with a group of people from Colombo and now has about 25 members performing.
“During the last five years, we have successfully held numerous programmes,” Director of VIP Wilson Gnanadass says. Apart from singing gospel songs, the band also dabbles in a bit of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach.
“We modify the existing music and present it in a new package to the people,”
The band comprises of school going kids as well. “This is an opportunity for those with talent and lack a platform to showcase their worth,” Johnson says.
Apart from performing, the band also trains people who have the ability and passion for singing.
“Creating music requires for being harmonious. Each group may sing different parts but the outcome is a perfect blend of music. If we can create music which needs harmony and coordination, how much easier is it to live together forgetting all our differences,” he says. |
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