Winds of Change

A musical programme jointly carried out by the choirs of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya and Jayawardhana MV, Galle.

by Russell De Mel

MUSIC: When I received a telephone call from my daughter, late in the evening on January 25, informing me that the Great Event in Galle on January 26, for which they have been working very hard is open for parents too, I simply had no choice but to agree.

I could sense the excitement and the expectation in her tone, though no specific request was made. What influence a daughter could have on her father!

When my wife and I went to drop our daughter at Holy Family Convent (HFC), Bambalapitiya, at 4.00 a.m. on the 26th, I observed how much of planning and co-ordination had gone into this project, besides the hours of rehearsals that had gone in.

Having seen the children taking off to Galle in the Special HFC bus, we got back home to quickly get ready for this unexpected trip.

The organising committee led by Sanath Sathischandra and Rohan Ipalawatte worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.

Around 1.00 p.m. HFC choristers and the teachers in charge were led to the main gates of Siri Dhamma College, Galle, where the "Winds of Change" was being staged.

The students of Jayawardene Maha Vidyalaya had lined up on either side, with bouquets of flowers and as the HFC group walked towards the auditorium in pairs, they were presented with flowers by these students of JMV, the first gesture of a formal welcome.

Thereafter the lighting of the traditional oil lamp was done with a difference where the students of JMV passed on the lit oil lamp to the choristers of HFC who placed them at the edge of the stage, followed by a similar passing of light by the students of JMV to the Special Invitees.

This was followed by the National Anthem sung by the choirs of both schools on stage. After observing one minute silence in memory of the Tsunami victims, we listened to a touching Tsunami Memorial Song sung by Deepika and Anosha followed by a well composed "Welcome Song" sung by the choristers of JMV and led by Anosha with Deepika accompanying on the piano.

We were then entertained by the HFC Orchestra, conducted by Ms. Haasinee Halpe Andree, from Mozart's "Andante" to a Spiritual "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho" and finally to "Lucky Break" by Kathy and David Blackwell.

We were in for a real treat. A number of action, song and dance items by the choir of JMV, led by Anosha. "I have a Dream", "Home on the Range", "If you are Happy", "The Happy Wanderer" later followed by "Swing Low", and "Give me Oil".

What talent, what perfection in timing and how graceful were the steps, I could not help but feel really sad when these children sang Home on the Range - "O give me a home, where the buffaloes roam".

What transformation in life, what trauma had some of these lively children on stage encountered on that dreadful Tsunami day! Yet I was so happy to see these innocent children, 98 per cent being orphans feeling so happy, and wanted, looking so lively and cheerful. I could not help but feel part of this student integration, whilst capturing these precious moments on stage on my camcorder.

The HFC choir kept the audience spellbound. Despite the streaks of sweat visibly pouring along their cheeks, the heavy eyelids caused by the stress and strain of a long and tiring journey, the melodious voices, powerful soloists and a range of well selected songs -"Give me the Music", "On a Wonderful Day", "So Yesterday", "When you Wish", "Harmony", "You raise me up", "Come on People", "O Music", "Greatest Love", "Laughing Song", and "My Tribute" kept even the mischievous students in the audience fully enthralled.

A well-sung duet "Dr I am in Trouble" added a change to the style of music presented and made the audience relax with laughter too.

However the grand finale was the choral highlights from the Broadway Production "Oliver" that made everyone's spirits rise up. The Familians handled this very well.

Once the curtain came down, bringing the grand "Winds of Change" musical production to an end, we witnessed the choristers of HFC and JMV, now more familiar with each other, more relaxed as the event is over, moving in harmony, making friendly gestures and chatting away, whilst tea was served.

Several speeches by the Principals of the two schools, the organisers, etc and presentation of tokens of appreciation followed thereafter. I once again approached Edirisooriya, Principal of JMV for his comments after the event.

He was so happy and fully appreciated the efforts made by the HFC team. In fact, he plans to make this an annual event.