The de Lanerolle Brothers

The De Lanerolle Brothers are back and ready to deck the halls with their harmonies—and trust us, these are the kind of carols even Santa would stop to listen to! Celebrating their 15th anniversary (which is like 105 in music years), Rohan and Ishan are gearing up for a Christmas concert that promises joy, unity, and probably a few happy tears. Titled Can’t Wait for Christmas, this festive spectacle is happening on Tuesday, November 26, at the Hilton Colombo’s Main Ballroom. Featuring the National Unity Orchestra, the Metho Cantanti, and the Old Joes Choir, it’s basically like assembling the Avengers of holiday music. Oh, and did we mention there’s a four-course dinner? Because what’s Christmas without some fabulous food to go with those heavenly harmonies? Grab your tickets now (and maybe a stretchy waistband) because seats are limited!

Q:This year marks your 15th anniversary! How does it feel to celebrate this milestone with a Christmas concert?  

Rohan: There is something special when it comes to the Christmas Show of the DLB's as many say Christmas starts with us and this year it's as early as November on the theme of "Can't wait for Christmas" and there was no way we were not going to do this show in this special year of ours.

Q:Can you tell us about the inspiration behind naming this year’s show “Can’t Wait for Christmas”? 

Ishan: The title “Can’t Wait for Christmas” captures the excitement and anticipation we all feel as the holiday season approaches. Since the show is happening before December, we felt it was the perfect way to reflect that eager, joyful spirit of counting down to Christmas.

Q:What makes this Christmas concert different from the ones you’ve done in the past?

Ishan: This Christmas will be truly special as, for the first time, we’ll be performing alongside an orchestra and choir, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully curated four-course sit-down dinner. It promises to be a magical and unforgettable celebration.

Q:How did you select the music for this year’s programme, especially with the inclusion of the National Unity Orchestra and two iconic choirs? 

Rohan: This is never an easy task as one needs to have just the right mix like mixing the Christmas cake! The next being that, there are not that many Christmas songs so one has to make the arrangements exciting that would be appreciated by the audience that we love so much. So, we thought of having the National Unity Orchestra, which comes under the DLB Umbrella under our Artistic Direction augmented with two iconic choirs - Metho Cantanti & the Old Joe's Choir (both choirs with whom we have worked prior). The music chosen is a combination of well known Christmas songs and also some carols, which we will have the audience sing !

Q:What do you think Rohan and Ishan each bring individually to this performance, and how does your dynamic change during a Christmas show? 

Rohan: I think Ishan is well experienced when it comes to his areas such as costumes, decor, stage & lights. I bring the expertise of the music and the flow of the show. If I were to say one word common to both, it would be "skill" and that's not something one can build overnight like many think but it's hours and  years of work that makes you skillfull. Recently, we were tagged "Masters of the game" in the lead up to the ABBA tribute concert done by "Masters of the scene" - this is after 15yrs of hard work.

Q:The collaboration with Metho Cantanti and the Old Joes Choir sounds thrilling! What can we expect from this powerful musical ensemble?

Rohan: I've actually had only two rehearsals with them and am looking forward to the two rehearsals we also have with the Orchestra. Prior to that, Ishan went through the respective parts with each of them. They are also two experienced choirs who are eager to give their best and as I informed them as much as this is a DLB show, it's a complete production where they too are part of the performance team.

Q:How does working with a full orchestra and choir elevate the experience for both you and the audience?  

Rohan: Oh, I think there is nothing that can beat a concert where you have a full Orchestra and  Choir. It's nothing like just playing with a band or singing to a track, however it requires that much more investment as you are paying for musicians skills. This is something the private sector should look at supporting as this is music at a different level and this is something we aspire to continue with DLB shows provided we have the support of other stakeholders.

I think there is nothing that can beat a concert where you have a full Orchestra and  Choir....

Q:What role does Christmas play in your lives, and how do you reflect that in your music?

Ishan: For me, Christmas is a special time when we decorate our home, and my wife, Shanaz, starts playing Christmas music as early as August. Since getting married, we’ve embraced the season even more, especially with her passion for cooking—it wouldn’t be complete without her homemade Christmas dinner. While we all enjoy the festive decor, for me, Christmas is ultimately about keeping Christ at the heart of it.

Q:What traditions or memories come to mind when you think about Christmas, and how have these influenced this year’s show? 

Ishan: The repertoire spans from traditional carols to festive Christmas songs, and our goal is to make it a truly special experience for everyone.

Q:What’s one song on the setlist that you feel really embodies the spirit of Christmas and why? 

Ishan: Oh Holy Night is something very special for some reason without that song Christmas is not Christmas for us. 

Q:What does it mean to you to perform at the Hilton Colombo’s Main Ballroom, and how have you prepared to make the setting truly festive? 

Ishan: We always enjoy performing at the Hilton’s Grand Ballroom, and this time it feels even more special as we bring in the NUO, Old Joes and Metho Cantanti. The set will be expansive and dynamic, creating a truly glamorous and unforgettable experience.

Q:With 15 years behind you, what has been the most memorable Christmas performance or moment on stage for you both? 

Ishan: During one of our annual performances in Singapore, a robbery occurred on Orchard Road, where a stolen bag containing money, a hotel key card, and other valuables was taken. The thief happened to hear us singing and feeling compelled, returned the bag, to their room at the hotel they were staying stating how the music moved him. This remarkable incident was later featured by the Singapore organizers in their magazine—a true Christmas miracle.