“O Radiant Dawn”, the ancient words of Isaiah’s prophecy familiar in the Advent readings rang out in splendour with the opening anthem as the sun set behind us on Galle Face Green.

“O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of eternal Light, Sun of Justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Isaiah had prophesied, the people who walked in darkness have seen the great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. Amen.”

What a fitting opening anthem for this special concert during Advent, the season when we reflect on the arrival of the birth and life of Jesus not only in Bethlehem but what it might mean in our lives today. It was an apt invocation for this beautiful country and multicultural community where each dawn ushers in warmth and hope for the future, especially at this time in Sri Lanka’s history.

The composer James MacMillan’s music often infuses the spiritual and the political, leading us to humble reflection. As the choir sang this anthem from the west door of the church, the urgency of the exhortation increased, with the invocation of ‘Come’ being repeated in an ascending sequence. I knew this was going to be a special concert of music and reflection.

This is the first time the Colombo Philharmonic Choir (CPC) has presented a concert at Christ Church Galle Face. It is a place of worship with a rich history associated with the Church Mission Society (CMS). It was originally meant to be the CMS Cathedral within the Diocese of Colombo and has been a place that has brought communities together and on this concert night too with a full capacity audience expectant of a treat.

The concert, themed ‘Carols from Many Lands,’ was under the baton of the talented music director and conductor, Harin Amirthanathan. Harin chose a thoughtful and inspiring selection of pieces to bring out the story of the incarnation through the beauty of music – mostly unaccompanied choral works from around the world, from lively seasonal classics to the more mystical, evocative pieces.

Two beautiful Spanish pieces stood out for their simple, rhythmic and joy-filled melodies. “Gabon izar” by Javier Busto, is from the Basque country where Christmas carols are traditionally sung in the streets and country lanes. These carols combine the directness of peasant expression, the refined musical heritage of the church, and the natural rhythms of the language.

The second Spanish carol was “Niño lindo” by Alberto Grau, a Venezuelan Christmas carol praising the beauty of the newborn Christ child. Originating in the haciendas in the 19th century, it uses the rhythm of the merengue, a dance in 2/4 metre characterized by alternating triplets and quavers.

The programme also included “Maria durch ein Dornwald ging,” a German Christmas carol, with “And His Name Shall Be Called,” arranged by Ken Burton. Burton invites a Gospel-inspired approach, combining syncopated rhythms, bright contemporary harmonies, and indicating in his instructions in the score, “And His name shall be called.” The tempo, balance, colour, and overall energy were just right, beautifully delivered by the choir and soloist Vindula Perera. Vindula joined the CPC in January 2023, where he was the tenor soloist for Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man.” He’s also a choral director in his own right, conducting the Old Joes Choir (OJC).

An old favourite with a modern twist was “Away in a Manger,” arranged by Bob Chilcott. The simplicity and beauty of the carol were captured with wonderful skill in his arrangement, featuring a new counter melody and subtle jazz-influenced harmonies.

Chosen from the North American continent was “O Nata Lux” by Morten Lauridsen, who has become the most performed American choral composer in the past two decades. In the third movement, he articulates the primary message of this work, “O Nata Lux” (Oh Light born from Light), a cappella. Lauridsen masterfully bridges eras with medieval chant-like rhythms, the Renaissance polyphony of Josquin Desprez, and rich contemporary harmony, crafting a tender, hauntingly beautiful centrepiece for this Christmas concert.

The much-acclaimed organist for the concert was Denham Pereira, director of music at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Polwatte. Denham has also been choir director of the Bishop’s College Choir for over a decade and has collaborated with the Philharmonic on the organ for over 20 years providing his exceptional accompaniment.

Throughout the evening, the joy of the choral tradition alive in Sri Lanka as heard at this concert by the CPC, was palpable. The choir’s vocal blend was impeccable, with each section contributing to a rich tapestry of sound and perfectly aligned.

The audience was clearly inspired, echoing the fine singing of the choir in the congregational carols. In return, the choir enriched the experience with mellifluous harmony parts, lifting our collective spirits as one.

The concert was a testament to the choir’s and choir director’s dedication to musical artistry.

“It’s not the beauty of the music which moves you: it’s the presence of God, as the beauty of the music” -Sir Malcolm Williamson

The Colombo Philharmonic certainly manifested that beauty for the gathered community.

- Noeline Sanders (nee Jeevaratnam)

 

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