A Magnificent Holy Week Choral Presentation

The much awaited Lenten choral presentation by St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College will take place at 6.00 pm on Wednesday, 5th April 2023 at the splendid chapel of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10.

Organised under the aegis of Sri Lanka Pueri Cantores Federation, a national wing of the international federation, the event will involve more than 200 singers including boys, girls and youth. Most Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka will preside over the programme.

St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College will lead with the chant Pueri Hebraeorum and the glorious Palm Sunday anthem, Lauda Jerusalem; followed by the exquisite Ave Verum Corpus by William Byrd – recalling Christ’s farewell Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. Joining the Josephians will be the choir of Ave Maria Convent, Negombo.

Thereafter, the choir of Good Shepherd Convent will sing the modern hymn Remember Me and the hymn Gethsamane. Two senior Josephian (A/L and post A/L) groups will then render the famous African Baba Yetu (Our Father in Swahili), followed by Jesuni, Ai Metharam Mata Aadarei. The past Shepherdians will then enter to vocalise the tuneful piece Above All Powers, depicting the tragedy of the crucifixion.

Among other Sinhala and Tamil renditions, there comes Handel’s composition, Worthy is the Lamb. The poignant Hebrew chant Hashivenu and Palestrina’s Adoramus Te, Christe will also be rendered in sublime harmony by the Josephian Choir. The final segment opens with the congregational hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today; followed by the polyphonic piece Regina Coeli Laetare along with And Can It Be – both presented by the international award-winning Old Joes Choir. After a brief message and blessing by the celebrant, St. Cecilia’s Choir of St. Joseph’s College will render Handel’s masterpiece, the Hallelujah Chorus; followed by the resounding finale of Gloria Te, the Italian Millennium anthem.

All are welcome. Entrance free.