Colombo Philharmonic Choir: "On Wings of Song"

The Colombo Philharmonic Choir, which ushered in its 50th anniversary celebrations with a programme of Sacred Music held at the Ladies College chapel on 20 April, 2005, is now poised to present its golden anniversary concert on October 8, 2005 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The theme of this celebratory concert is based on the title of a song composed by Felix Mendelssohn, namely 'On Wings of Song'.

This theme has been selected to represent the passage of time since its founder conductor Dr. Gerald Cooray and his group of pioneering musicians and singers, who set about the task of promoting the cause of classical choral music, held their first public concert in August 1955. Just as much as the passage of time marks the transience of composers, conductors, musicians and singers, it also reminds us of the timelessness and enduring value of great music.

There will always be other conductors, singers and instrumentalists waiting in the wings to carry on an enduring tradition. The present members of the choir pay tribute to all those past members who are no longer among them, some retired and others of the faithful departed. As part of this tribute, we quote from a review of a concert, written by Rev. Bowyer Yin of St. Thomas' College and published in the Daily News of 6th August, 1957: "The concert at the Royal College Hall, on Saturday night, provided further evidence that Mr. Gerald Cooray has built up a choir, which is capable of giving a performance that can bear very critical examination by any standard". The items of choral music, which the Choir has chosen for this performance, include excerpts from Verdi's operas Aida, La Traviata, IL Trovatore and Nabucco, a chorus from Peitro Mascagni's opera Cavalleria Rusticana and lyrics by Mendelssohn, Franz Schubert and other composers.

The choir, as an institution, relies on a quaint blend of natural genius and acquired skill. The average singing member is possessed of a pleasing voice and an ear for music, which he or she improves with constant practice and attention to detail.

At the extreme end of the scale are a few members who are endowed with magnificent voices and a natural flair to invest any piece of music with the spirit that comes with perceptive interpretation.

The recognition and acceptance of such talent enhances the cohesiveness of the choir through mutual understanding, community of interests and fellowship. The factor of natural genius is especially relevant in the matter of searching for and selecting a conductor. Conducting a choir and conducting an orchestra are entirely different in character. Knowledge of and the practice of music are not sufficient to make a good conductor.

Natural genius must be anointed with charisma and in this respect the Colombo Philharmonic has been blessed with many great conductors, the pioneer in this respect being Dr. Gerald Cooray. Among those who conducted the choir over the last 50 years were Raymond Adlam of the British Council, Paul M. Jayarajan, Ronald Walcott, Lylie Godrige and Mary Anne David. Both Lylie and Mary Anne performed as soloists in several productions of the choir.

It is only right and proper that special mention should be made of Lylie Godridge, the longest serving conductor, who was honoured with the title of 'Kalasuri' for his service in promoting the cause of vocal music, especially in the schools. The present conductor, Manilal Weerakoon has given a fresh infusion of spirit and energy to the choir with an unique blend of charisma and skill that inveigles the human voice to produce charming nuances of sound.

The history of the choir will not be complete if mention is not made of those who provided accompaniment to the choir. Among them are Phyllis Kolberg, Reuben Solomon (Clarinet) Irene Vanderwall, Rev. Lucien Fernando, Chintamani de Pinto, Prof. Valentine Basnayake, Christopher Canageratna (Violin), Dhilanthi Fernando, Russell Bartholomeusz, Denham Pereira and Anjalika Attiken. The choir is indebted to Russell who like Lylie survived the choir for over 22 years. The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka too has provided orchestral accompaniment to the choir on several occasions.

- Eymard de S. Wijeyeratne