Dmitri back for a Christmas show with Bishopian Intermediate Choir
View(s):By Yomal Senerath-Yapa
Even if the November chill seems a tad bit late, seasonal chimes are audible as we walk into the basement of Dmitri Gunatilake’s house, where she is practising with the Intermediate Choir of Bishop’s College to usher in the season with a Yuletide recital titled Season of Light.
In the hall, the girls are being drilled on everything from steps to timbre, and are all caught up in the excitement.
It is seven years since Dmitri’s last Christmas show, so, she is also excited, being someone who looks forward to the festive season from January.
It is this year that the soprano took the baton for the Bishopian Intermediate Choir, and the girls are in for something of a scale they have never approached before.
There’s excitement in the air: Dmitri, the choir and band at rehearsals. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
It’ll be a classical soiree with the likes of What Child is this, Sleigh ride, Joy to the World and Have yourself a merry little Christmas, but there will be some ‘special people’ (no spoilers given) and different arrangements from the usual, traditional offerings.
Working with girls from grades six to eight, all ‘doing very difficult pieces’, was a challenge, says Dmitri, but also enjoyable.
The girls themselves chorus in unison: “We are really looking forward to the big show.” Charini Yasanayake said she had learnt new techniques while Shylie Wijewardena said it was a fun experience, where they “learnt life lessons.”
Mellissa Perera added that “Miss Dmitri was a wonderful teacher” and Nelara Hemawickrama chimes in, “we learnt how to work as a team.”
The accompanists for the evening are a mix of veterans and new blood. While Menaka Sahabandu plays the piano there is Maxwell Pietersz on the double bass and Ajith Kodikara on the violin and the flute.
Charith Fernando, percussionist, has been part of Dmitri’s concerts from the very beginning and says that he usually plays for seasonal gigs and that it’s a joy to kick-start with Dmitri’s. The new visage in the band, investment banker Rukshan Aponso will be on the keyboard.
Season of Light takes place at the Western Province Aesthetic Resort (NADA) on December 2 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets, priced at Rupees 5000 and 3000 (downstairs) and 1500 (balcony), are available at the venue.
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