Resonance all set for their maiden concert of spiritual music
‘Resonance’, an all-female choral group comprising past pupils of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, are gearing up for their inaugural concert on July 19. ‘Exalt – An Evening of Spiritual Music’ will be held at the Holy Family Convent chapel at 6 p.m.
Rapthi Fernando, the founding director and heart of Resonance, says, “The main reason for Resonance is that we want to create a space for the girls who were in the Holy Family Convent Choir where they can come to and say, ‘We’re all equal here; we’re all doing what we love’.” Rapthi began her career as a choral director first picking up the baton in 2004 at HFC.
Doing what they love: Resonance members at practice. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
The programme will feature a range of music that spans different eras, from traditional classics to modern praise and worship, with acapella songs along with solos and congregational pieces as well as songs in Sinhala, Tamil, and other languages.
The Senior HFC Choir directed by Dilini Perera will also perform along with past Familian Melissa Perera.
This year marks a new chapter for Resonance as well known music director Nishantha Warnakulasuriya takes on the role of co-choral director. “I’ve worked with many choirs and Resonance has a unique energy,” he says.
The choir was formed more than a decade ago and the members unite not only to sing but also to relive their shared past.
Kendra Gomez, a founding member says, “I see Resonance as something that has pushed me beyond my boundaries. Because in school, we had the training and the things that we were exposed to, but Resonance opened it to a whole other level.”
Pahani Fernando, a member for the past three years says, “We just felt like it was time for the next step, because we’ve been there for almost a decade. We have girls who can play instruments, girls who are really good solo singers, girls who are really good at dancing – everything. So, it was time for us to shine, and what better way to do it? Most of us have just sung in the school choir and in our church choir, but we have a very unique sound.”
New member Dhilanme Rodrigo says, “This just gave me a second chance. I feel like through this praise and worship, we are reigniting the flame that Resonance is slowly trying to build up again. I feel like every piece will resonate with at least one person out there.”
While Resonance has performed at many events, including the Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concerts, this programme is dedicated to expressing gratitude to God. “As Christians, we believe our talents come from God,” Rapthi says. “This concert is our way of giving back.”
Putting together a concert of this scale hasn’t been without hurdles. “Sourcing the right music is always a challenge,” Nishantha acknowledges. “There’s plenty of music out there, but it must fit the choir’s voices, style, and purpose. Sometimes we’ve borrowed scores, and sometimes arranged our own.”
The choir is also accompanied by a live band – a first for Resonance. “It’s an extraordinary experience for the girls, far beyond singing with recorded tracks,” Rapthi adds.
The concert will be held at 6 p.m., at the Holy Family Convent Chapel.
Entrance is by programme -for more information, please call 076 040 7346.
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