Echoes of Heaven II 2012

The curtains of Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre will open for the angelic singing of the choir of St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, thanks to the tireless efforts of the college’s Batch of ‘93. The choir will sing along with the choirs of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, St. Peter’s College, Colombo 04, Holy Family Convent, Colombo 4 and Our Lady of Victories Convent, Moratuwa on Sunday, 4 November 2012 at 6.30 p.m.

A strong combination of male and female voices will be onstage singing songs and hymns, both classical and popular.

The present St. Sebastian’s College choir is the brainchild of Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan Fernando, an old boy of the college who is presently attached to the tutorial staff as Vice Rector of his alma mater. Rev. Fr. Prasad is a musician, a composer and a teacher of music and he is also the trainer of the Archdiocesan choir.  

It was really his initiative and dedication which brought the college choir to its present excellent standard. As it is today, it can proudly boast of mesmerising and capturing the hearts of all who enjoy music.

Shihan Chamba, a member of the tutorial staff, an old boy of the college and a talented and highly qualified pianist, is presently undertaking the tremendous task of regular practices and training these young choristers.

He is a dedicated and committed musician who carries out his responsibilities and duties in a truly committed manner. The college hopes this young master will continue to serve his alma mater in the years to come.

Andre David, the trainer behind this fantastic performance, has worked with the college choir since 2008. His fantastic encouragement has strengthened the faith of these young choristers. He has been training and choreographing choirs and judging competitions for over 12 years.

He is the artistic director of the Colombo Music Festival and the Founder – Director of the David Academy of Performance and Arts. He is the son of the versatile choral director Mary Anne David.

Much glamour will be added with the spectacular dancing of the Channa -Upuli Dance Troupe.   

The choir consists of all major parts in music, namely soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Given that all its members come from the music loving city of Moratuwa, their full backing and enthusiasm is visible in all aspects of forming and maintaining standards of this choir.  

A lot of hard work, both from the trainer and trainees, goes in to training the choristers, which includes very regular and systematic practices.  The cooperation and the commitment of the parents of the choristers are praiseworthy.  From its inception, they have extended their fullest support and willingness towards building up this choir.

First note in 2003

The Rev. Fathers of the Archdiocese of Colombo took over the administration of the college from the De La Salle Brothers in 2003. Even before the Fathers took over the administration of the College in 2003, the talent and enthusiasm for music on the part of the students was visible.

Singing as a group was practiced especially for special occasions and holy masses but these talents are now united, polished and trained to a wonderful choir which has matured over the past few years. The choir comprises of students from different age categories ranging from grade four to grade 13. Most of the juniors thus form the sopranos with their heavenly singing.

The choir of St. Sebastian’s College has performed to the delight of the people of Moratuwa at the annual carol service of the college for nine consecutive years. Preparations are underway for this year’s carol service too.

The college choir also organised a choir show titled ‘Whispers of Music’ at the Bishop’s College Auditorium in 2006. The batch of ’93 was able to give them a break by organising the show “Echoes of Heaven I” in 2008 at the BMICH which was a tremendous success. Apart from public shows, the choir has taken part in a number of guest performances as well.

Why form a Western choir?

To the question “Why do you want to have and train a western choir?” Rev. Fr. Prasad answered in no unclear terms, “The main purpose of the choir is not only singing. Singing of course is what this choir is for. But more importantly it inculcates in the children good values like unity, punctuality, commitment and silence.”

Furthermore he said, “They make a lot of sacrifices as members of this choir, but what they learn from here they cannot learn from anywhere else. My children enjoy singing and that is the most important thing.”

As to how he manages to keep them in regular practices he said, “Discipline in a choir is very important. It includes many things. To train 100 children is no easy task. Therefore I urge them to take responsibility in their roles. Those who are in the choir are also very good in studies and other extracurricular activities. It improves their English. They learn to appreciate good music and it nurtures a good taste of music and art in them.”

Regarding the show he said, “We have worked very hard for this event. The children are also eager to perform to the best of their ability. I appreciate the support I get from their parents and I value very much the support of Rev. Fr. Rector, Fr. Bonnie Fernandopulle and other priests who helped me in this difficult task.”

He added that his special thanks go out to the ‘93 batch of the college who worked hard in making this choir show a successful and a colourful one. It is noteworthy that all proceeds of this show will be utilised for the construction of the proposed sports complex and all proceeds of the previous show Echoes of Heaven I, was donated towards the new chapel project of the college. The batch of ’93 gave the highest donation as a single batch towards the chapel fund totalling to Rs. 1.5 million.

Purchasing tickets for the show

 So all those who wish to enjoy a pleasant evening of music and entertainment must not miss this great opportunity and should gather at the Nelum Pokuna on Sunday, 4 November at 6.30 p.m. Tickets are available at the college gate, Sarasavi Bookshop, Nugegoda, Our Lady of Victories Convent, Moratuwa, Kadapatha at Crescat, K – Zone, Moratuwa and you can also purchase online via www.etickets.com.

If you have any queries regarding the purchase of tickets you can call us on 0771237733. Hurry and reserve your ticket early to avoid disappointment.