SILVER BELLS
A Christmas Music Extravaganza
This year, the ever so talented and renowned playwright, producer and director Jith Pieris, presents “Silver Bells - A Christmas Music Extravaganza”, an evening full of a magnificently diverse range of Christmas music adored by all, featuring some of Colombo’s finest choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists.
A legacy that has continued for 30 long years, Jith explained that his hope is to gather people from all ethnicities, religions and cultures through this show, so as to embrace and share the love, joy and spirit of Christmas with everyone. “This show simply came into being” he said. “At a time in history, where religion has become such a controversial topic, I strive to show others that we can put our differences aside and unite in peace and harmony. This is my favourite time of year, and this show is my way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with those around me.”
The evening will kick off with a performance of two well-known carols - “That’s Christmas to me” and “Saviour’s Day”, by the Old Joes' Choir.
“We are very excited to kick start this Christmas season at ‘Silver Bells’, especially given the greater cause it aims to achieve. Our Christmas repertoire this time around will include some interesting twists to authentic carols
& a collection of modern Christmas songs” said Russell Valentine, the choir leader of the Old Joe’s.
The choir Contempo, directed by Harin Amirthanathan, will also be performing an array of much loved Christmas music. “This is the first time Contempo is taking part in this concert and we are extremely happy and honoured to have this opportunity to share the Christmas spirit with everyone” said Thilini De Alwis, choir leader of Contempo. Many other soloists and instrumentalists such as Gehan Cooray, Amarsha Tissera, Gananath Dasanayaka, Kovindu De Seram and Daniella Perera will also be performing.
Keeping with global traditions, this musical extravaganza will include popular songs and carols such as “Santa baby”, “White Christmas”, “Let it snow”, and “Silent night”. This year, the carol Silent Night, originally written by Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Gruber, bears great significance as it will be celebrating its 200th anniversary since its inception in 1818. Further classics such as “Ave Maria”, “Oh Holy Night” and “Silver Bells” will also be performed, along with “A night before Christmas” - a poem performed by Amarsha Tissera.
The perfect way to begin this holy and jolly season, this magical evening is bound to be full of sensational music that everyone can sing along to! “Silver Bells - A Christmas Music Extravaganza” will be held on the 24th of November 2018 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets are available at the Wendt and you can also purchase them online. I urge you all to join in with Jith, and everyone else participating, to experience and share in the Christmas ethos through the wonder of music. It’s sure to be a night everyone will thoroughly enjoy and one you won’t forget!
Will be held on the 24th of November 2018 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.