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PIX Courtesy OJC
By Kshalini Nonis
‘A Christmas Wish’ an unforgettable evening of harmony, warmth and festive cheer presented by the Old Joes Choir (OJC) will be held on December 6, at The Stables Park Street Mews.
We had a chat with Vindula Perera, Choral Director, Shehara Luvis, Choir Leader and Shehan Dias, Chorister and Marketing Lead.
Shehara Luvis
Q: Describe the concert.
Our show is an evening celebrating the start of the festive season, showcasing the diverse spirit of Christmas through music. Our audience can expect a blend of carols in genres ranging from Pop, Classical, Rock and Fusion, celebrating love, tradition, and community. With vibrant harmonies and moments where the audience can participate in the concert, the atmosphere will be cozy and uplifting, setting the perfect tone for the holiday season.
Q: Who are the main people involved in it? The concert is brought to life by the talented members of The Old Joes’ Choir, led by our three choir leaders: Aushadie Wickramasinghe, Brinstan Peries, and myself, Shehara. This passionate and talented group is dedicated to creating unforgettable music experiences. We are guided by three of many choral directors, Nishantha Warnakulasuriya, Vindula Perera, and Geethika Cooray. We also have a lineup of skilled instrumentalists to add depth and colour.
Behind the scenes, we have teams within the choir handling everything from music arrangements, production, marketing, logistics, etc. We’re also grateful for the support of Cargills, our title sponsor, and other partners who make this event possible.
Vindula Perera
Q: What is the main reason for having a concert of this nature? Christmas is a time of joy and cheer, and we want to share the festive spirit. Our concert aims to capture that spirit through music. It’s also an opportunity for us to bring people together to celebrate the season while showcasing the rich tradition and versatility of The Old Joes’ Choir. The fact that some of them are making their first concert with the choir makes it all the more special.
Q: What are some of the carols that will be sung at the concert?
We plan on presenting a mix of traditional and modern carols. Several carols have been rearranged for a choral setting by our very own including a few original arrangements and some stunning A capella pieces. So do expect to hear your favourite carols with our signature twist, as our set list is curated to offer a mix of familiar tunes and fresh surprises.
Q: How do you hope to spread the Christmas message through the concert?
Music is a universal language that connects hearts and breaks barriers across races, religions, and generations. Through A Christmas Wish, we hope to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas—love, kindness, peace, and togetherness. The songs we’ve chosen are more than melodies; they are heartfelt messages that celebrate the joy of giving, the beauty of unity, and the warmth of shared traditions—everything we hope this season brings to all who hear them.
Q:Can you tell us the name of the concert and when and where it will it be held?
Shehan Dias
Q:Can you tell us the name of the concert and when and where it will it be held?This year’s concert is titled A Christmas Wish and is proudly presented by Cargills. It will be held on December 6th at The Stables, Park Street Mews, offering the perfect venue for an intimate and festive evening of music and cheer.
Q: Can you tell us about The Old Joes’ Choir?
The Old Joes’ Choir was founded in 1997 and is Sri Lanka’s leading all-male choir. Known for our versatility, we perform across genres—from barbershop and spiritual to pop and classical.
Over the years, we’ve performed over 10+ concerts in Sri Lanka and have achieved some notable milestones. In the 2014 World Choir Games, we were crowned champions in the Barbershop category. We also won a silver medal in the Sacred Music with accompaniment category at the same contest in Riga, Latvia. Since then, we have released covers of popular TV theme songs and well-known songs in English and Sinhala that many have enjoyed.
Q:Can you tell us about a couple of the other previous such concerts you have had and how this concert is different to them
Our concerts, starting from Preghiera in the late 1990s, have focused on highlighting our range as a choir as we strive to stay true to pieces of multiple genres. In 2015, we hosted our first Christmas concert, That’s Christmas to Me, and are expanding on it this year with A Christmas Wish. It is unique in its intimate setting and how it seamlessly blends musical genres to tell a heartfelt story of Christmas.
Q: Where can the tickets be purchased and how are they priced?
Tickets are priced at Rs 6500, Rs 5000, and Rs 4000. They can be reserved via calling or messaging The Old Joes’ Choir via WhatsApp at 0711-252-308.
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