Acoustics chorale dazzles at historic diplomatic ceremony

The youthful singers of Acoustics Chorale directed by choir Director Francis D’Almeida,  proved their worth at the recently concluded historic diplomatic ceremony at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo recently            

With an expanded combination of elegant young female vocalists, the youthful singers of Acoustics Chorale proved their worth at the recently concluded historic diplomatic ceremony at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo. This was to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Vatican.  The grand event was graced by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher from the Vatican. It also included members of the diplomatic corps, Foreign Ministry officials and top Catholic hierarchy headed by Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith as well as several cooperate heads.

Heralding the opening of the function, the singers of Acoustics Chorale presented a meaningful and a rousing rendition of the National Anthem followed by the Vatican Anthem. 

After the formal speeches by His Grace Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher and Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, the singers re-entered the stage to render the “Anthem of Unity” titled World in Union, specially composed for the World Rugby Cup Finals in South Africa in the 1990’s. With elegant notes of the key board and soaring strains of the violin enhanced by the rhythm of the guitar, the 17-member choir rendered its stylish version in four-part harmony.                             

Taking diversity to ultimate levels, the male and female vocalists then entertained the discerning audience with the popular song Sway and went on to sing our own Sinhala pop piece, Nadee Ganga Tharanaye. These were followed by the enchanting Tamil hit Chinna Chinna Asai; a melodious version of the Italian classic Santa Lucia; and the popular Hindi piece Dil Tadap Tadap – combined with the waltz Some Where My Love in a smooth medley effect. 

While the audience were enjoying delicious cocktails of food and wine, the Chorale went on to present a wide selection of songs in Japanese, Indonesian, Spanish, German and French. This one and a half-hour splendid choral presentation ended with a rousing performance by the Choir Director Francis D’Almeida, who sang with the choristers in youthful exuberance, the exhilarating Italian chorus Funiculi Funicula.

Indeed, it is hardly surprising that the Acoustics Chorale - whose smart looks blend with their awesome singing style - has been invited to sing at the Air Force Carols and for several corporate events. Undoubtedly their focus is pertaining to Musica Sacra – Sacred Music

This rare and memorable celebration was organized by a committee consisting - among others - of Mgr. Roberto Luchchini, Charge d’affaires; Mrs. Dawn Perera of the Vatican Embassy; very Rev. Frs. Freely Muthukudarachchi and Jude Samantha; and Miss Ruwanthi Fernando of the Colombo Archdiocese - whose enthusiasm ensured the splendid flow of the celebration.