Visakhian voices soar in an evening of versatility
View(s):Visakha Vidyalaya has a proud history of achievements in western music. Some of her past pupils are classical musicians of local and international repute, both as performers and teachers who inspire generations to come. Most of these musicians were first nurtured in the school choir. It is a choir which obviously evolves as students and choral directors come and go.
What the audience of ‘Echoes of Glory’ witnessed on September 10 was nothing short of a glorious evolution which echoed not only the current choir’s many victories at the Voyage of Songs International Competition 2025 held in Thailand only a few weeks before, but echoed the rich past and continuity of the Western Music Choir of VV.
Exuding musicianship: Rohan de Lanerolle directing the Visakha Vidyalaya choir
My memories and experience in the same choir 40 years ago goes back to songs sung under the baton of the great choral master of the day, Kalasuri Lylie Godridge, who was also a mentor to Rohan de Lanerolle, Visakha’s present choral director.
De Lanerolle brought out the best of Visakhian voices on that evening at the Lionel Wendt for a select audience of special invitees who had in some way contributed to or are connected with the school, particularly its music. The mostly acapella (unaccompanied) singing which had captured the hearts of the judges at the competition in Thailand soared and maintained perfect pitch above the seemingly never-ending ringtones of competing mobile phones. The spectacular costumes and subtle choreography added to the acoustic pleasure. However, to me, what stood out the most was the versatility of the choristers in their equally expressive renditions of a wide variety of songs.
Folk music that brought alive a Sri Lankan rural landscape of pel kavi and kalagedi natum was juxtaposed with the stormy soundscape of the wilderness filled with rains down in Africa. The tight-knit chorale of the chamber ensemble was discernible in the quietest of moments of a lullaby, while diction remained crystal clear when the toe-tapping Broadway music of I Got Rhythm burst forth with youthful energy. The solemnity with which Buddhist chanting provided an ideal overture to a hauntingly melodious rendition of Danno Budunge and the joyful acclamation of There must be a God were spiritually enchanting in equal measure. A Buddhist girls’ school choir being able to so effortlessly create gospel sounds resonant of a Christian church was testimony to more than just the power of faith.
One great force unifies us all, the religious of whatever faith and the non-believers: that is, the power of music. Having heard the VV choir, no one would disagree that music is divine. This unification was evident in both the lyrics and harmonies of Eka Mawakage Daruwo.
Many of these works were specially arranged for or involved obtaining special permission for performance by the VV choir. Credit goes not only to those talented and generous composers and arrangers from here and abroad who were duly acknowledged during the show, but also to De Lanerolle himself for being so resourceful and persevering to secure such collaboration.
It is true that no stage performance can be complete unless it is pleasing aurally and visually alike. The VV choristers exuded musicianship with every note, every movement, every expression, so that it was a joy to both hear and watch them. Individual focus and contribution was evident. This was no “school choir”. It was a group of serious, dedicated young musicians with much promise and potential. I sincerely hope it can muster the sponsorship necessary for more participation in international events and competitions, for as so rightfully put by the Principal of Visaka Vidyalaya it is the “experience” that counts.
All in all, the concert was delightful and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation. Under the leadership of the dynamic maestro Rohan de Lanerolle, the VV choir will go from strength to strength and I am sure this will not be its last celebration.
As I write this, Visakha Vidyalaya is enjoying yet another triumph, winning the 50th All Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition, and I am aware that some of the actresses are VV choristers. It reminds us that it is not only academic excellence that defines the greatness of a school, but the opportunities given to students so that they may shine in whatever extra-curricular skills they possess.
I wish the VV choir resounding success in the years to come so that it leaves audiences spellbound with echoes of glory reverberating far beyond one evening and one competition. Well done and thank you for the music!
Dr. Avanti Perera
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