Colombo Philharmonic Choir (CPC), present evening of sacred music titled 'Alleluia'

The Colombo Philharmonic Choir (CPC), will present a programme of sacred classical music titled ‘Alleluia’, after regrouping under the baton of its new conductor, Harin Amirthanathan.

The performance will take place on Saturday, November 17 at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Polwatte.

The Colombo Philharmonic Choir was formed in 1955, under the patronage of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and the baton of Principal Conductor Prof. Gerald Cooray. Cooray later served as Patron of the choir, as well as British composer Benjamin Britten. The choir has performed Bach’s ‘St. Matthew’s Passion’ at the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, alongside Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten in 1956. Beginning 1975, the choir was conducted by the most well- known conductor it has had – Kalasuri Lylie Godridge – until his demise in 1998. The choir also lists Paul M. Jayarajan and Mary Anne David among its past Conductors.

Throughout its life, the CPC has stayed true to its original purpose, which is the “practice and performance of choral works of excellence of various schools”. Amirthanathan takes this mandate seriously and plans to follow Weerakoon’s example. After the two-year hiatus, the choir was reconvened with a new Conductor and Patron. They re-auditioned everyone.

The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and entrance will be by programme priced at Rs. 1000 which can be purchased by calling 0777702642 and making a reservation. Programmes will also be available at the door.