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The Gift We Bring A Service of Carols of St Mary’s Church Bambalapitiya
On the 20th of December 2025, The St Mary’s Choral Group will present ‘THE GIFT WE BRING’ - a service of Carols of St Mary’s Church Bambalapitiya at 7.30 pm.
We had a chat with Neomal de Alwis, Organist and Conductor.
Q Can you tell us about the upcoming event on 20th December 2025? When and where will it be held?
On the 20th of December 2025, The St Mary’s Choral Group will present ‘THE GIFT WE BRING’ - a service of Carols of St Mary’s Church Bambalapitiya at 7.30 pm. The narrative for the performance is based on the well-loved carol - The Little Drummer Boy - “I have no gifts to bring, shall I play for Him” - this reflects the very simplistic message of what we could gift our Lord Jesus at Christmas - The gift of our voices, our music, our hearts - the very same talents Christ bestowed on us.
Q What is your role in it and who are the other main people involved?
As organist for the St Mary’s Choral Group, I have been fortunate to have within the St Mary’s Choral Group, renowned stage personalities, Jehan Bastians and Neidra Williams, who have brilliantly curated ‘The Gift We Bring.’ I have also had the support of our senior-most member, Geoffrey Alagaratnam, who has always guided and supported the St Mary’s Choral Group.
On the 20th of December 2025, The St Mary’s Choral Group will present ‘THE GIFT WE BRING’ - a service of Carols of St Mary’s Church Bambalapitiya at 7.30 pm.
Q As those involved do not comprise a selected crowd how have you managed to include others in organising this event?
Yes it’s mainly St Mary’s Choral Group but the entire concept and design of the programme is by Jehan and Neidra well known in our theatre groups, but now in Sydney, who unfortunately are unable to attend due to some issues in their travel schedules.
Q What are some of the main Christmas carols that will be sung at the event?
The highlight of the service will be the dramatisation of the story - The Gift We Bring, which will be interwoven with several contemporary carols - O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, Dan Forrest’s See Amidst the Winter’s Snow, Christmas Laudamus and a very interesting arrangement of The Little Drummer Boy amidst the perennial favourites - Away in a Manger, Mary Did You Know, O Come All ye Faithful, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Silent Night.
Q How do you hope to create lasting memories to honour the significant contribution made by Father Claver Perera?
We shall strive for standards and style in keeping with Father Claver’s tradition.
Q With Christmas coming up and as we herald a new year how do you plan to convey the message of the birth of Jesus Christ?
Our theme of the poor drummer boy offering all he could, the sound of his drum brings out the theme of austerity simplicity and genuine giving of ourselves in the spirit of peace and harmony. This is apt for Christmas.
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