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Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Friday, 19 September 2014 01:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Getting prepared for a musical concert is not an easy task, and if it involves a group of students ranging from ages seven to 35, it can become quite the challenge. I headed to the Methodist Church Hall in Wellawatte to get a firsthand experience on how the Director and Choreographers were managing the rehearsals.
As I walked in to the hall the Junior Choir was rehearsing one of their acts and The Cantabilé School of Singing Director Prashalini Peiris and Choreographer Keshia Kumaresan were cueing them on their dance moves and facial expressions.
In the run-up to their big concert which comes after a break of two years the group seemed ecstatic to be rehearsing their acts. I managed to catch up with few of the students from the junior, intermediate and senior choirs as well as the two choreographers to gather their thoughts on the concert and the school. Here’s what they had to say:
Angelica Joseph from Colombo International School (aged 7): “I have been with the school for two years and this is the first concert I am taking part. We started our 
reherasals about three weeks ago and practice our acts one to two days a week.”
Abigail Jebamani from Ladies College (aged 9): “I joined the school just a year ago and I am really excited. The perfromances are very active and musical which makes it interesting to perform.”
Asini Gunawardena from Stafford International School (aged 15): “The aunties have been really patient with us and they are very supportive. The choreography is really thought through and it is not only about the dance moves but also about capturing the emotions expressed in the songs. Compared to the concert in 2012 the selection of songs this time include smodern songs and the dance acts have become more complex.”
Nethmi Wijewardena from Methodist College (aged 13): “During the rehearsals for a concert we learn to work as a team and dance while we sing as the acts are choreographed. ‘Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO’ is my favourite song to perform since it is a modern song which has been choreographed amazingly. I would also like to thank Aunty Prasha and Aunty Ashanthi for assisting and coaching us and hope this will be the best concert for this year.”
Gateway College Teacher Karen Paul: “I was a gospel singer before I joined The Cantabilé School of Singing. This will be my first concert with the school and this time I have to not only practice my vocal skills but also some dance moves. What I really like about the school is that there are students from all age groups which will add variety for the concert with their synchronised singing and dancing.”
Eranga Gunawardena from S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia (aged 14): “I joined the school in 2005 and have been part of two concerts. This is the first time I would be joining the senior choir and will be performing a variety of songs. The dance acts are becoming more complex and difficult but with practice it would come out better.”
Keshya Gunawardena from the British School, Colombo (aged 15): “I have been with the school for 10 years and have been part of two previous concerts. The school is amazing and I have made a lot of friends. Since I am in the senior choir, we have to perform songs from the recent years as well as oldies ranging from different genres. The past ten years has been an amazing experience and I have learnt a lot from the seniors.”
Anushi Wilson from Methodist College (aged 15): “Rehearsing for a concert can be tiring but we have a lot of fun at the same time. I am a part of the school choir and sometimes the schedules clash with the practice sessions of The Cantabilé School of Singing. We have to put in a lot of team work and are very serious about the acts. I urge everyone to come for the concert on 27 September.”
Choreographer of the Junior Choir Keshia Kumaresan: “This is the first time I am choreographing a choir. I am a member of the Asteria female voice choir which will be featured as a guest act on this concert. This time there is a good mixture of songs which makes it more interesting for the students. I love working with kids and when Aunty Prashalini requested me to help with the choreography of the junior chior I happily agreed. The kids are very enthusiastic and sometimes they come up with their own ideas for the acts and we incorporate those ideas in the act as well.”
Choreographer of the intermediate and senior choirs Ashanthi Colombage: “I have been a choreographer for The Cantabilé School of Singing for the last 6 years and have choreographed most of their concerts. Though I do not take part in performances I was involved in my school choir where I was trained as a chorister by the late Ruwani Seimon. When we prepare for a concert not only does the choir have to practice their choral skills but they also have to learn to dance. The senior choir is easy to handle as they learn fast. But the intermediate choir is a bit reluctant to let go but they are improving on their skills in singing and dancing. I request everyone to come and watch the show as it is going to be amazing.”
‘Dazzle – In a Singing Style’ presented by the students of The Cantabilé School of Singing goes on boards on Saturday 27 September at The Bishop’s College Auditorium from 7 p.m. onwards. The concert directed by Prashalini Peiris will also feature a guest act by Asteria Female Voice Choir directed by Mahen Peiris.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1,500, Rs. 1,000, Rs. 750, Rs. 500 (reserved) and Rs. 350 (balcony). Box Plan and tickets will be available at The Bishop’s College Auditorium. For further information contact Prashalini 0722 837 171/ 0112 514 733 or Mahen 0773 731 152.
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– Pix by Shehan Gunasekara
