Contempo excited to be back with a Christmas concert
Celebrating 20 years since their inception in 2001, “Somewhere in My Memory”, a choral Christmas concert will see Contempo, the well-known choir of the past pupils of St. Bridget’s Convent, venturing out of their comfort zone. The show happens at the Russian House Colombo on Saturday, December 16, at 7 p.m.
The programme spans a wide range of genres from classical, gospel, choral and pop, from Gruber and Wham to Ariana Grande. This time around the choir is directed and conducted by Harin Amirthanathan, whom Contempo’s codirector Shenaalie Dias says took a lot of time arranging the repertoire. “He’s very knowledgeable and is fun and entertaining to work with.”
“It’s definitely a switch up from our usual known arrangements,” Saranie Wijesinghe, co-director of the choir says. “I know this is quite a cliche but there is going to be something for everyone.”
Contempo has built a notable presence with concerts like Viva La Diva (2012), Reel Music (2015), Forever in Song (2018), and Joyful Hope (2019).
They’ve also performed the Stabat Mater at St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk in 2019 and have been a part of the Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concerts in 2009,
2013 and 2016.
With practices commencing in July, the thought of theming it a Christmas show came about with the original choir having formed during the Christmas season. A few founding members of the choir still perform with them even though there are a lot of new faces in the 15-member ensemble, Saranie says. Having juggled their various commitments to attend regular practices, “the girls look forward to the practices,” adds Shenaalie. “They are able to relax and sing their hearts out with batchmates, juniors and seniors. It’s just a really fulfilling experience overall.”
Due to the hindering effects of Covid-19 and the economic crisis, it has been four long years since the choir will be performing on their own, apart from the various events and bookings they’ve been invited to through the years.
The growth of the choir is something to be noted, with the start of their social media presence and the incorporation of diverse genres into their repertoires. After winning four gold medals and emerging as winners of the Grand Prix of their category at the 2017 Asia Pacific Choir Games, the choir rehearsed more spiritual numbers. “Soundtracks from movies and pop music is where we usually excel so we’re trying to strike that balance,” Shenaalie says.
The choir will be backed by a small ensemble of violin, keyboard, bass, and drums with Rukshika Wettasinha, Nuran Gomez, Denver Barnes and Shehan Wijemanne. There will be a guest performance by Mario De Soyza, adding spicy twists to well-loved Christmas classics. “Because it’s been such a long time, we’re really excited about the show,” concludes Saranie, “We’ve had a fun time bringing this together and we want that to translate on stage. We hope it will be a good Christmas production for our audience and a good way to mark the season for everyone.”
Tickets priced at Rs. 2500 can be purchased via WhatsApp (071 130 3604).