A magnificent holy week choral presentation

The much-awaited Lenten choral presentation by St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College will take place at 6.00 pm on Wednesday, April 5 2023 at the chapel of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10.

Organized under the aegis of the Sri Lanka Pueri Cantores Federation, a national wing of the international federation, the event will involve more than 200 singers including boys, girls and youth. Most Rev. Dr Brian Udaigwe will preside over the programme.   

St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College will lead with the chant Pueri Hebraeorum and the glorious Palm Sunday anthem, Lauda Jerusalem; followed by the exquisite Ave Verum Corpus by William Byrd – recalling Christ’s farewell Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. Joining the Josephians will be the choir of Ave Maria Convent, Negombo. Thereafter, the choir of Good Shepherd Convent will sing the modern hymn Remember Me and the hymn Gethsamane. Two senior Josephian (A/L and post-A/L) groups will then render the famous African Baba Yetu (Our Father), followed by Jesuni, Ai Metharam Mata.

 The past Shepherdians will enter to vocalize the tuneful piece Above All Powers, depicting the tragedy of the crucifixion.    Among other Sinhala and Tamil renditions, there comes Handel’s composition, Worthy is the Lamb. The final segment opens with the congregational hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today; followed by Regina Coeli and And Can It Be – both presented by the international award-winning Old Joes Choir. After a brief message and blessing by the celebrant, the Josephian Choir will render Handel’s masterpiece, the Hallelujah Chorus; followed by the resounding finale of Gloria Te, the Italian Millennium anthem.  
All are welcome with free entrance.