A Christmas show that aims to entertain and inspire
‘Excelsior! From Cradle to Glory’, directed by Sanjeev Jayaratnam will bring to stage a variety of genres
Celebrating this special time of year with a grand display of talent is Sangeet, the mixed voice choir directed by Sanjeev Jayaratnam, that is set to take the Lionel Wendt Theatre by storm on December 19 and 20 with their concert ‘Excelsior! From Cradle to Glory’.
Making their debut in October of last year, this concert will be Sangeet’s second show, with their first show this past February having received rave reviews.
Excelsior! From Cradle to Glory will bring on stage a variety of genres from classical to pop, sacred music to secular, ensuring that it resonates with a wide audience. Sanjeev also says that the audience can expect to hear and see a Christmas show unlike anything seen before, with a repertoire that boasts modern, classical, pop and rock, as well as dance and comedy.
“We also have many pieces being performed for the first time in Sri Lanka and many performed for the first time anywhere as they have been specially arranged for Sangeet. We also have a huge musical surprise!”
Sangeet was formed to build a true community choir comprising people of different ages, races, religions, and backgrounds who are united solely by their love for music and singing. Describing the group, Sanjeev calls it a true community choir where the choristers are involved in every aspect of the show, from set design to fundraising to arranging music. “Everyone plays a role according to capability and interest. Everyone is accountable and responsible for what they take on. So being a member of Sangeet also means practising values of commitment, discipline, teamwork, excellence, determination, accountability, integrity and more. We have a great group of people who have stepped up and taken leadership in so many different aspects of the show thereby taking a huge load off my shoulders.”
Being a part of Sangeet also means a sense of family to many of the choristers who consider it a safe place where they can be themselves and be accepted for who they are while also having their energy boosted during their weekly practices. “They have blended together as one team to make amazing music and lifelong friendships. We are proud to have all religions and races represented in the group,” says Sanjeev.
The group’s aim is not only singing, but also to entertain, inspire, and give hope through their music, always striving to make the 60-plus member group truly world-class in everything they do.
Directed by Sanjeev, the concert will be choreographed by Julian Anderson, with lighting designed and executed by Kevin Cruze. Accompanying the choir will be Neranjan de Silva on keyboards, Niroshan de Silva on drums and percussion, and Daveena Edmund on grand piano.
Excelsior! From Cradle to Glory presented by Sangeet will take place on December 19 and 20 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from 7.30 p.m. Tickets for the show are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre and are priced at Rs. 6000, Rs. 5000, Rs. 4000, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000, and Rs. 1000 (balcony).