Lalanath takes up baton for Messiah
Lalanath de Silva: In Sri Lanka to spearhead the project
OKTAVE and Friends are excited to be performing the first part of Handel’s Messiah in Sri Lanka after two decades. Part I, which deals with the birth of Christ is popularly performed in the West during Christmastime.
Conducting the Messiah will be Dr. Lalanath de Silva, who arrived in Sri Lanka last Sunday to join rehearsals, which began in early November. Lalanath, who lives in South Korea, has always strived to organise a performance during his visits to Sri Lanka. A former conductor of the Symphony Orchestra, his vast experience as conductor and composer gives him confidence to spearhead this project.
The ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ taken from Part II will also be added to the performance and Lalanath hopes the congregation will join in and sing with the choir if they are familiar with the music. He hopes the congregation’s active participation will add to the performance. The soloists are Anagi Perera (soprano), Peshali Yapa (alto), Trevis de Silva (tenor) and Laknath Seneviratne (bass) and having worked with them before,
Neranjan de Silva
Lalanath feels their talent as well as that of the orchestra’s members will undoubtedly make the performance a success. “I’ve chosen experienced members for the orchestra, either from the Symphony or other well known orchestras,” he explains, adding that their experience is sure to ensure success.
‘OKTAVE’, founded in 2009 by accompanist Neranjan de Silva has been busy practising since November. Neranjan feels that although the performance is challenging, the commitment from the choristers has been exemplary. Some travel from Negombo and even Kandy just to attend practices. “This is not something that they can just come here and rehearse, they have to practise at home, and they have been doing that,” he explains. He is thankful to Rev. Fr. Felician Perera, who has unhesitatingly opened the church for practices and the performance.
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ will be performed on December 21 at 6.30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya. Entrance is free and all are welcome.
Committed choristers:OKTAVE and Friends at rehearsals. Pix by Amila Gamage