The universally renowned duo took to the choir stalls of their Alma Mater this Sunday to leave the congregation spellbound.

Rohan and Ishan de Lanerolle who marshalled a brand new episode in the Sri Lankan music industry collaborated with the choir of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia to celebrate cherished and unforgettable hymns and anthems.

The service titled “ ‘Tis Good Lord to be Here” is in aid of the newly established Canon Roy Yin Choir Fund for the College Chapel of Transfiguration. To many Thomians, past and present, the Chapel is more than a tranquil sanctuary – it is a part of their identity as Thomians.

The choral festival that took place on Sunday, 16^th September mesmerized an overflowing chapel. The choir clad in red and white robes consists of 40 aged 11-19 and were led by the de Lanerolle brothers in song. The Thomian choir is directed by Vinodh Senadeera.

A resplendent orchestra in the balcony added poise and charm to the singing. Well loved and age old pieces like “God that Madest Heaven and Earth”, “Abide with Me Fast Falls Eventide” and “Author of Life Divine” were revived in the memories of those present and relived.

Eminent anthems such as Psalm 99 (Dominus Regnavit) and “How Beautiful upon the Mountains” adorned the evening and established the versatility of the duo’s as well as the choir’s repertoire. Anyone present could have vouched that it was an unparalleled and rare experience.

An animated Ishan de Lanerolle had this to say, “Lovely to do something for the school and it’s great to be back.” “Everyone has enjoyed it very much. We had only a few days left for the day after we returned from India and Europe. The practices were therefore hectic.” “Most people think it is easy to perform in this manner. However nothing could be farther from reality than this. The young Thomians have rehearsed thrice a week to put this evening in order while balancing their other commitments within and outside school. It is very encouraging to know the discipline and huge commitment that went into this. All in all, it is not an effortless or simple task to keep alive an age old tradition in a new and advancing era.”

After the service the high standard of the performance was on everyone’s lips. 

Mrs. P. Abhayaratne:

“Excellent! We enjoyed it very much.” 

Mr. Eraj Fernando:

“The performance was amazing and very well choreographed. It brought us back to school-boy days,” said the past Thomian.

Mr. Mahen Fernando:

“Simply heaven on earth!”

Mrs. Abeynaike, a former music teacher of the school:

“We hope to see more of such services. It was a wonderful experience.”

The Principal of Ladies College, Colombo Mrs. Nirmali Wickremesinghe:

“The collaboration of the young Thomians and the De Lanerolle brothers was truly uplifting. We really felt the presence of God and look to this as a God-given experience.”

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan

Pics by Nisal Baduge