“The Road to Victory” was the title of the concert of “Choro Calibre-Sri Lanka Youth Choir” held on Tuesday, 11th September 2012 in the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel. They showcased the talent that had led to their winning Silver in the Folklore Category and two Bronzes in the Chamber Category at the 2012 Asia Cantate, International Choral Festival in Phuket, Thailand in July 2012.
The hall was packed and an enthusiastic audience comprising priests and nuns as well as well wishers joined in clapping to the beat as the boys and girls of the mixed choir started the show with “Somebody to Love”. This song was followed by the reverberating “We Are The Champions” while the two screens on either side of the stage showed the winners receiving their awards at The Asia Cantate 2012 in Thailand.
Then the first of the guest artistes came on stage. Veteran choral director Francis d’Almeida sang “Jerusalem”accompanied by the choir with the moving words
“The light of God was on its streets,
Hosanna in the highest”.
Then came Mariazelle Goonetilleke with a touching tribute as she sang,
“What a friend we have in Jesus.
Have we trials and tribulations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
The boys in the choir then took centre stages as they sang a Tribute to Mother Mary while the screen showed scenes from the Passion of Christ, culminating in Jesus meeting His mother on the road to Calvary.
From Gospel to an African song “Malaika”, the choir showed their versatility as the boys and girls harmonized while the audience clapped to the beat.
There were frequent costume changes with the girls appearing in short black skirts and high heels for “Malaika” followed by a medley of “Abba” songs by the girls alone. They even copied the movements of the pop group as they sang “Thank You for the Music”, “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme A Man After Midnight”.
The deep velvet voice of Rienzie Perera was heard as the guest artiste sang “You’re My Best Friend.”
After the interval, the choristers appeared in the colourful red, orange and blue traditional costumes they had worn for the competition in Thailand. They sang in Sinhala followed by drumbeats while one or two boys did somersaults.
Then came another change of costume and the boys and girls sang the duet “Summer Loving” followed by “You’re the One That I want” from the film with Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.
The show ended with a Song of Thanksgiving to the Lord.
By Sirohmi Gunesekera
Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi
Audience comments:
Father Crispin Leo said:
“I came because I am interested in music. I have my own choir. I am now at St.Peter’s College and was earlier at St.Joseph’s This kind of activity is important for it helps prevent young people getting into unnecessary trouble. These cultural activities enhance their minds and hearts.”
Renuka Leelawansa said:
“It was a good show. I liked everything. It was really nice.”
Lakshmi Cooray said:
“The group singing was very good. I am praising God that I was able to come for this show thanks to my friend.”
Ruwani Karunaratne said:
“It was an excellent show. There was a lot of talent. All the items were good.”
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