Old Joes are back to bring you the magic of the season
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Aushadie Wickramasinghe
Ringing in the festive season this December, the Old Joes’ Choir presents A Christmas Wish—a heartwarming choral concert that beautifully blends tradition, the magic of the season, and the unmistakable charm of the Old Joes. Staged at The Stables on December 6, this event marks the choir’s first full-length concert in seven years, promising an unforgettable evening of music and holiday cheer.
The break between performances stemmed from a combination of many factors, including global pandemics, economic crises, and busy schedules. “Everything was still falling into place after what we went through as a country and as an economy,” says choir leader Aushadie Wickramasinghe, who has been part of the ensemble since 2012. “I think everyone is now at that stage where they can actually think a bit more freely and commit to this and enjoy while singing. It was finally time to gather the clan after quite a while.”
Back at school: The Old Joes Choir at Bonjean Hall. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Vindula Perera
The programme for A Christmas Wish features an eclectic mix of traditional favourites and meaningful additions that echo the spirit of Christmas. As expected, the audience will hear beloved classics, but the concert also introduces pieces chosen to align with the theme of hope, peace, and unity. Songs like ‘Grown-Up Christmas List’ reflect on how wishes and personal desires mature over time, shifting from childhood dreams to aspirations for peace and kindness in the world. ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ is another poignant piece that holds deep significance for the choir, which resonates even more now amid ongoing global challenges and conflicts.
NIshantha Warnakulasuriya
The dynamic range and various styles shine through in the repertoire, which includes beloved pieces that the choir has performed over the years interspersed with the reimagined arrangements crafted by choral directors Geethika Cooray, Vindula Perera, and Nishantha Warnakulasuriya. “We are not trying to stick to one particular genre or even language—I think that’s what we are known for as well. We are not a typical classical choir, and we are quite versatile, so we aim to bring that versatility to the stage,” says Vindula.
With a programme that spans multiple genres, the choir has had to adapt to a wide range of musical styles. “It’s been quite challenging for the choir to tackle because of the varying genres,” notes Nishantha. “It’s very difficult to switch between the genres, but I think they’ve been doing a great job in terms of keeping up with the changes.” The performance will also feature the contributions of talented musicians, including Melissa Pereira on piano, Rukshan Aponso on keyboards, Pradeep John on guitar, Shivy Fernando on bass, and Daniel Prins on drums.
The choir has seen a surge of fresh talent over the recent years, and for nearly three-quarters of the group, A Christmas Wish will be their very first Old Joes’ concert. Geethika shares that the timing was right to channel the momentum from this influx of energy and enthusiasm and lay the groundwork for the future. “We wanted to set ourselves up now for next year because these guys are very passionate and need something to work towards. We want to try and set up a regular cadence of performances, and we thought this Christmas would be a good place to start.”
Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of the Old Joes’ Choir, as it marks the anniversary of their formation 26 years ago. The choir began when a group of Old Boys decided to reunite and sing at the college carol service. “Christmas is very close to our hearts because it allows us to come back to school and sing at the college carol service, which is such a meaningful tradition,” shares Aushadie. “There’s also a deep connection to the school, and it’s that time of year when everyone comes together.”
For the Old Joes’ Choir, the essence of Christmas lies in the sense of community and family that is nurtured by music. Singing together is a cherished tradition, and the choir has worked tirelessly to make this concert a memorable experience. A Christmas Wish is not just a celebration of the season but also a stepping stone toward an exciting new chapter for the choir.
A Christmas Wish will be held on December 6 from 7.30 pm onwards at The Stables, Park Street Mews. Tickets are priced at Rs 6500,
Rs 5000, and Rs 4000 and can be reserved through WhatsApp at 0711252308.
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