‘The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ is a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music.
Melodies speaks to Angelo Perera who is conducting the choir. The Choir of St. Sebastian’ College will be having their Carol Service at St. Sebastian’s College Auditorium on December 9 from 6.30pm. This Carol Service has been taking place from 2003 to 2017. The theme is ‘Breath of Heaven’ selected from a famous Christmas carol that tells the nativity story from Mary’s perspective.
The Choir of St. Sebastian’s College, began with just a handful of dedicated students who were musically inclined and under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan who was a great musician it transformed into a choir accepted at a national level.
“Singing the praises of God, the choir got its new costume which is a red and white cassock, used by the altar servers, symbolizing the belief that we are all servants of God. The choir began its rapid journey of development over the years to become a well-known name among the choirs in the country,” said Perera
The Choir of St. Sebastian’s College was introduced to Sri Lankan audiences by the concert, ‘Vibrant Voices’ organized by the Interact clubs of St. Sebastian’s College and St. Bridget’s Convent in 2005 at the BMICH auditorium.
“But in 2006 the Choir of St. Sebastian’s College organized their own first ever choir show, named ‘Whispers of Music’. The Choir of St. Sebastian’s College are the pioneers of choral music in Sri Lanka. The Choir of St. Sebastian’s College also organized a successful choir concert named ‘Echoes of Heaven’ followed by ‘Echoes of Heaven II’ a choral presentation of sacred music and famous hits. The team consists of a group of well trained and dedicated students who are committed to achieve the best both academically and in extracurricular activities. Success through commitment is an integral part of the choir’s philosophy,” explained Perera.
Currently the team is trained by Shihan Chamba and Sanjeeva E Silva two proud products of the college choir. The choir is conducted by Mas. Angelo Perera and led by Mas. Shane Leyon, Mas. Gayan Jayawardena, Mas. Kavindu Cooray, and Mas. Revon Cooray. The potential for growth at the Choir of St. Sebastian’s College is immense.
“A perfect example is the continuous development of the Christmas carols for 16 consecutive years. The history of St. Sebastian’s College’s Carols goes back to 1960s, when the College administration was under De La Salle Brothers. But it wasn’t a well-organized carol service, due to which it didn’t take place annually,” stated Perera.
After the takeover of the College administration by the Archdiocese of Colombo, the former Rector Rev. Fr. Bonnie Fernandopulle together with Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan the founder Priest in Charge of the choir, re-established the choir and it was made an inseparable part of the College. In the same year itself the first carol service or the foundation for the present carol service was laid,” stated Perera.
Since 2003 up to date the annual carol service was developed year by year due to the dedication and hard work of its interested parties, and is the main Carol Service in Moratuwa now.
In 2013 Fr. Prasad was sent to UK for his higher studies which were a blow to the choir. But every cloud has a silver lining and. Chamba and. Silva took over the choir, which was the commencement of a new era.
In year 2015 Rev Fr. Vincent Ashley was appointed as the Priest in charge, who directed the choir successfully together with the two trainers. At present the Priest in charge of the choir is our dearest Rector, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi.
The program includes Traditional Hymns, Classical compositions of Great composers (e.g. Beethoven), Modern classical compositions and modern and traditional Sinhala/English Carols. This year too, the carols will be held in the aim of spreading the Christmas cheer among the Moratuwa music loving community. The carols are an important event in the school calendar.
During the past 16 carol services there was a 100 percent audience turnout. The auditorium was full each year and the boys expect the same result this year as well.
“We have always put in a lot of effort which can be seen by the audience turn out. They just love to hear our music. All in all they love our singing and the overall performance. With the guidance of Late Rev Fr. Bonnie and our former trainer founder of modern choir Rev Fr. Prasad we have reached great heights. If these two greats were not there, it would be a very different tale,” pointed out Perera.
Their special thanks go to Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the Rector and the Priest in charge of the choir for nurturing the boys. They wish to thank Rev. Fr. Prasad Niranjan and Rev. Fr. Vincent Ashley for their dedication. They are also grateful to Shihan Chamba and Sanjeeva E. Silva, the trainers and master in charger for their dedication and the sacrifices done on behalf of the choir since 2013.
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