Sogni Romani - The Roman Dreams come alive in Kandy

Sixty-six singes of St. Cecilia's Choir of St. Joseph's College presented a unique All Italian concert at the Bonjean Hall recently.

The choir consisting of singers between the ages of 10 and 18 dressed in elegant robes depicted shades of Rome's past glory. The programme resounded with the best of Italian and Latin compositions exquisitively produced and presented.

The choir under the baton of Shehan Dias who deputised for Nuwan Perera, the regular student conductor was backed by accompanists (piano and organ) with Yohan Peiris, Shamal de Silva, Rayanthi Kumarasinghe and violinist Nishantha Warnakulasuriya.

Mozart's grand Laudate was presented by 12-year-old boys soprano Sachintha Wijegunesekera, violinist Nishantha Warnakulasuriya gave an awe inspiring performance. An equally well presented piece was 'La Virgine' by Verdi. The boy alto Daniel Ferdinandez re-produced the solo.

There were several solos with tenor Ryan Lord's rendition of O Solo Mio; 'La Donne Mobile' by the 13-year-old tenor Emmesh Wijewardena and Caro Mio ben by baritone Luckshan Perera. The audience was enthralled by the vocalisation of 34 sopranos and altos Mozart's 'Voi Che Sapette' conducted by 12-year-old Daniel Ferdinandez.

The ever popular neapolitan favourite 'Santa Lucia' was sung in four part harmony. Saint Alphonsus Liguouri's famous Italian nativity song was presented in harmony with Warren Hakel as the soloist. This was followed by the fast moving, toe tapping 'Anvil Chorus' sung with adequate fineness while capturing the fortissimo of the lilting chorus. Deviating from all Italian formula - La Duce - the prayer - had a right mix of Italian and English words.

This modern song popularised by Andrea Bottcelli and Celin Deon was sun in a re-arranged four part SATB version.

The revised version of 'La Montenara' with the deep chested baritone Warren Hakel vocalised the solo part. Funiculi Funicular with the solo by boy tenor Emmesh clinching the top C with utmost fluidity had the audience enthralled.

The programme concluded with the Italian farewell song - 'It's time to say goodbye' - 'Con te Partiro' with the final chord in five part harmony.

The choral concert presented in tribute to the musician priest Rev. Fr. Claver Perera will be staged in Kandy at St. Anthony's College, Katugastota on September 27 at 5.30 p.m.