Christ Chose a Manger will be held on Saturday 21st December 2024, 7.15 pm at St Mary’s Church Lauries Road Colombo 4
By Kshalini Nonis
A truly memorable carol service by St Mary's Church Colombo 4, will be held on 21 December at the church premises. We spoke to Director/ Organist, Naomal de Alwis.
Q: What is the name of your carol service, when and where will it be held?
Christmas at St Mary’s - Christ Chose a Manger. It will be held on Saturday 21st December 2024, 7.15 pm at St Mary’s Church Lauries Road Colombo 4.
Q: Describe it briefly.
It is a programme of scripture readings and poems by Christian writers relevant to and emphasising the meaning of the four advent candles with carols and Christmas music also related to the candle themes from traditional to modern composers such as Bach, Handel, Verdi, Berlioz etc….and singing for congregation with separate choral renditions backed by a Johannus 370' pipe organ and ensemble of string and wind instruments.
Q:Who are the main people involved in it and what roles will they play ?
Neomal de Alwis as Director/ Organist and Jehan Bastians as Conductor. The other conductors are Michele Fonseka , Rajeev Aloysius, Treshan Motha, Stefan Corera and Geoffrey Alagaratnam.
Q: Mention the name of your choral group and why it was formed.
St Mary’s Choral Group was formed in 1968 by the Late Father Claver Perera, a renowned tenor of his time, initially as an all male choir for secular and religious music. It subsequently morphed into a mixed voice choir.
Q: How has it progressed over the decades?
Not withstanding ups and downs due to a nucleus of persevering members the choir has sustained good choral music over several generations comprising descendants of original members and enthusiastic young entrants. Its wide repertoire from classical to modern and contemporary music mainly liturgical in nature has kept the dedication and enthusiasm alive assisted by youthful camaraderie!!
Q: What is the significance of the four advent candles?
The programme revolves round the four advent candles of purple colour. The first candle is about the prophecy of Christ’s coming. The second candle is about love, the central message of Christ. The third candle is the angels candle as it was the angels who heralded Christ’s birth. The fourth candle is about the shepherds where the birth was first proclaimed to the lowest ranks of society.
Q: Finally how will you portray the meaning and significance of the birth of Christ?
Though anticipated as a liberating King or messiah yet proclaiming Christ as the Prince of Peace has greater significance today in a world at war! Peace, as primarily to be at peace with oneself ( your conscience!) and consequently with others irrespective of race, religion or position all being equal should be the significant take home.
