Once again it was the time for one of the most anticipated events in the Trinity calendar – held this year on the 2nd of December 2018. The service comprised nine readings from the Bible, each followed by carols which has relevance with the reading. The choir is known for singing in several languages, with Sinhala and Tamil having been made a standard part of the tradition since 1964. This year’s service was special as it marks the 60th year since the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was held at Trinity for the first time in 1958, and was undoubtedly a memorable evening of worship and praise to all those present. The evening commenced with choristers coming in procession, descending from the Principal’s bungalow to the Chapel holding lamps. The Chapel was lit only with candlelight imbuing it with a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere. The traditional solo of “Once in Royal David’s City” was sung by a Chorister from Grade 6, the Choir joined in harmony at the second verse, accompanied by the organ, as they gracefully proceeded towards the Choir stalls. As the opening carol “Adam Lay Abounden” by Boris Ord was sung a sense of wonderment filled the air as the congregation pondered upon Adams first ever sin leading up to the birth of Christ. This was also the context of the first lesson which was read by a chorister from Grade 7. Next was a Sinhala carol “Sandun Vimanen” which was accompanied by the organ along with the traditional thabla and thalampota. Upon the conclusion of the second lesson, a moving rendition of “O Little One Sweet” composed by J.S. Bach, reminded the congregation of Christ’s birth and how the son of man was yet once a meek and sweet little child. After the third lesson a Tamil carol “Andhi Neram Vaadai Kaalam” was sung. This was a clear depiction of the versatility in the choir’s choice of carols, which was accompanied by the same instruments used in the Sinhala carol. The fourth lesson was accompanied by “Virga Jesse” composed by Anton Bruckner. The complexity of this composition was quite notable as it brought about a sense of serenity with its impressive harmonies and also a feeling of rejoicing towards the end of the carol. The carol “Bogoroditse Dyevo” by Arvo Part told of the message the archangel Gabriel gave unto the mother of God in conjunction with the fifth lesson. The choir’s capabilities were clearly brought out by this performance and it was commendable performance sung in the Russian language. The next carol “See Amid the Winter Snow” had three soloists: an alto, a bass, and, keeping in line with recent years, an Old Chorister soloist. The chapel filled with grandeur as the chorus to this carol was sung; rejoicing in the glorious birth of Christ. The carol in relation to the sixth reading was “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” composed by Harold Darke. It comprised two soloists: a treble and a tenor, who were gradually accompanied in angelic harmony by the choir. This truly brought about a depiction of a cold and desolate winter time in which Christ was born in Bethlehem. Once again adding to the variation in the language and style of the carols performed, a French carol “Quittez Pastuers” arranged by Stephen Cleobury, was sung adding to the grandeur of the worship which resonated with the faithful and praising hearts of the congregation. The next carol had three soloists who sang throughout, accompanied by the choir: Peter Cornelius’s “The Three Kings” was sung by soloists who each represented the kings while the Choir sang the chorale. This particular performance was the perfect illustration of Christ’s godly nature and royalty as well as his humanity. After the carol “Hark the Herald”, and the congregation lit their candles and the lights of the chapel were switched off. The choir then began to sing the “Candlelight” carol. The simple but beautiful harmonies combined with the chapel lit only by candles to a truly spectacular and moving atmosphere that warmed and tugged on the heart of all who were present. As per tradition, the carol “O Come all ye Faithful” was sung as the Choir recessed to the west door, to end the last verse with a triumphant descant, marking the end of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. It was interesting to note that the Chapel continued to be lit only with candles until the end of the service. “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” was based on an order drawn up by E. W. Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for the use in a wooden shed that served as his cathedral, for Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro. It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. A. C. Benson recalled: ‘My father arranged from ancients sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop’. The history of the carol services at Trinity is an interesting one. With records commencing from 1935, all carol services have been somewhat similar to the ‘nine lessons’ tradition with several lessons, except for the one in 1954 where there had been only two lessons with 16 Carols. In 1950 the carol service was broadcast over the BBC world service. Browse our FLICKR site for the full album.
On the 11th of November 2018, a special Armistice Centenary Service was held at the College Chapel to remember and honour the Trinitians who served in WWI and in all other conflicts. The service commenced at 9.30am with an opening hymn “All my hope in God is founded” sung by the College Choir, this was followed by the welcoming and opening prayer by the chaplain, Rev. Sanath Madagamgoda. The Principal, Mr Andrew Fowler-Watt then recited the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem speaks about McCrae’s preoccupation with death and how it stands as the transition between the struggle of life and the peace that follows. It is written from the point of view of the dead. It speaks of their sacrifice and serves as their command to the living to press on. Lt. Col. Leonard De Alwis (former Principal) was also invited to the occasion. He spoke about the “Men of Trinity in bravery and sacrifice” and about the determination that Trinitians had shown to serve the country as well as their school. Shortly after the chaplain’s sermon, the prayers of remembrance and intercession were performed by a fellow chorister. The chaplain dismissed the congregation to the quadrangle to witness the commemoration ceremony by the Cadet Band, Cadet Platoon, Senior Scouts, Junior Scouts and the Choir. Mr Ananda Marasinghe (Co-Vice Principal) read the names of the brave Trinitians who sacrificed their lives for the benefit of many others. Here we state the names of those who served in the Great War (1914-1918): PRO PACE MORTUI [trans. “Died for peace”] AIYADURAI R. CAMPBELL N.P. DE VOS H.A.E. DRIEBERG F. FORSTER H.G. GRIGSON RANKINE J.H. HAYDEN T. KENT C.F.H. LOOS J. MURRAY K. PARAMANANTHAN A. PERERA A.G.F. SCOTT-COATES P. SKIPP R. WELLS A.J. HI QUOQUE SERVIERUNT [trans. “They also served”] ALUWIHARE R. ANDARAWEWA P.A. ANDREW J. ARNDT. C ASCHE H.C.J. ASIRVADEM S. BARTHOLOMEUSZ J.W.S FRASER A.G. GARVIN H.E GOONERATNE C. GOONETILEKE .A GRIGSON RANKINE E. Y. GRIGSON RANKINE G.C. GUNASEKARA A.W. HALANGODE A.B. HENRY J.A.E HILL F. HOULDER A.C. JANSEN .R JONES R.L. MACDONALD R. MC GREGOR L.D. MARTIN O. MODDER V. MULGRUE G.R. ONDATJE R. PATE W.H. PAYNTER A.G. PAYNTER H.S. PELPOLA P.D. PEREIRA A.E. PERERA H.A. PILAPITIYA D.L. RENFREW J. ROBERTS .J ROBERTS W.H. RUDRA A. SAUNDERS P. SELVADURAI E.M. SENEVIRATNE D.B. SQUIRE E.C. STEWART R. THEIN P.E. THOMSON R.D. VAN DER POORTEN A. WAGISWERA W.D.K. WALMSLEY A.M. WEERAKDOY T. WEINMANN C.O. WHITE O. YOUNG C. The Principal and Lt. Col. Leonard De Alwis showed their respect by placing two poppy wreaths at the German Machine Gun. Then a member the Cadet Band played “The Last Post” to respect and honour those who had served. To conclude the ceremony, the Choir sang “O God, our help in ages past“, and the Cadet Band proceeded with the National Anthem. “As we commemorate the centenary year since the end of World War I, it is not to romanticize or glamorize war that we remember this fateful journey in the lives of men who sacrificed their lives for peace. It is merely to share with everyone, that these soldiers were mere schoolboys who suddenly became soldiers, suddenly became men and fought with great valour and distinction in that savage war as they went from the playing fields of Trinity to the killing fields of France.” Review by Kevin Tennekoon View the full album on our Flickr site!
So we bid farewell to yet another Trinity stalwart from the Choir Stalls yesterday. Welcomes, celebrations and send-offs are a regular part of the Choir’s life. More than a duty we consider it an honour and a privilege. Alex Lazarus was a friend of the Choir: quite naturally so, having been a Senior Chorister with his beginnings in the Gordon Burrows era. Sometimes we would suddenly discover him silently seated at the back of the Chapel during practice, enjoying the singing. Then he would join us for a cup of plain tea during the break. He would always say, with a tap on the piano lid: “A ‘Trinitian’ is a simple and humble human being”. Whenever he heard the choir singing his favourites he would come up from “The Lodge” to listen and invariably strike up a conversation – always about the good old days. One of his regular statements was: “This is the place. The singing should permeate all over the school from here. How soothing it is”. He shared many stories that brought out the values of Trinity. Conversations with him, ranging from choir, to how the Chapel was built, to rugby, were always informative and invariably with a touch of humour. We always ended up having a hearty laugh. After some time of preparation, he came to speak to the Choir. On the 29th of May 2018, he was there right on-time to share his experiences as a Trinitian. The choristers listened to him – awestruck. He spoke about Trinity as the school he knew, filled with anecdotes that inevitably brought up laughter. He spoke about his singing, bone breaking tackles, camps, excursions and days in the boarding. As a final thought in his talk, he shared his interpretation of ‘Respice Finem’. For him ‘Respice Finem’ meant “look to the end of whatever task you are doing now”. If everything was done that way, we would all end up doing a complete job every time! He was always present at the events of the Choir. Not only at the event, even before the event he was always there to help and supervise the arrangements. Setting up the extra chairs from the hall, with the help of the boarders, and supervising the polishing was his speciality. He taught the workers how to place the chapel pews evenly using a wooden hall-chair to set the space. We could be rest assured that everything was just so. After the event he would never fail to come and say, with that ever present big smile on his face: “Hey la – you gave it! Super.” Alex Lazarus, despite his great achievements, was a rare, truly simple man who lived his life as he claimed himself to be. Another page of Trinity’s Life-book is no more. We have been so privileged to have had the opportunity of reading at least a part of it. LT
As a chapel service that has been conducted every year to commemorate 14 years of studying at Trinity College, the “Leavers’ Service” is a serene occasion where the boys bid farewell to their school, teachers and masters. This years service took place on 3rd of September at 2:30pm. It should noted that every schoolboy at Trinity commences and ends their school life at a service in the chapel, where their first experience is at the Entrants’ Service in Grade 1, and their last, at the Leavers’ Service in Grade 14. The significance of this service should not be taken lightly but should be grasped as a memory that will last forever. For students, the end of a school career is the start of a lifelong mission and responsibility to carry forward and shine forth the light that has been ignited throughout 14 years of stay in school. While for teachers it becomes an occasion to value the mission which the boys have been entrusted with.
A Lenten Meditation and Easter Reflection of Music, Lesson and Prayer On the 25th of March, as the congregation waited expectantly, the choristers gathered at the west door of the Trinity College Chapel. The swell stops of the organ started to play, while the choir and procession proceeded to the chancel singing the processional hymn, Henry Milman’s “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”, beginning the eagerly awaited annual Cross and Triumph of Christ service. The Cross and Triumph of Christ is a tradition that has gradually gained prominence, a service centred on a series of readings marking the passage from Isaiah’s foretelling of the cross to the resurrection and the acts of the apostles. This service has become very important as a time for meditation and reflection on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The chapel is always packed with guests who come to experience the meditative and reverent atmosphere. Following the opening prayer, the choir sang a lovely rendition of Bob Chilcott’s “God so loved the world” with closely arranged harmonies complementing the simple message of God’s love, which was followed by the First Lesson read by a Senior member of the Choir. The second lesson was read, detailing how Jesus was betrayed at Gethsemane. The sad tones of J. Cruger and J.S.Bach’s “Ah holy Jesu” quietly flowed, its lyrics full of guilt and remorse. After the third lesson, the choir sang “Christus Factus Est” by Aleksandras Kacanauskas, bringing the congregation to reflect on the humiliation that Jesus suffered before his crucifixion. The fourth lesson – Jesus is tried before the Roman governor. The choir sang “Crown of Roses” by the famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky. It should be mentioned that this is the only choral work which Tchaikovsky has composed. The beautifully arranged piece – sung in the typical Tchaikovsky style – brought tears to the eyes of the congregation, its dark symbolism highlighting the cruelty of the crowd that howled for His blood. The fifth lesson was read: Jesus is taken to the cross. The congregation waited expectantly. The choir sang its own four part arrangement of “The Servant King” by Graham Kendrick, to introduce an atmosphere for meditating on the humility and love of God, as He is taken to the final stage of his mission. The chapel seemed to hush in anticipation. The sixth lesson was read, and the service was at the lowest, which depicts Jesus’s death on the Cross. The curtain was ripped. The chapel bell rang out mournfully, slowly. Antonio Lotti’s powerful eight part Crucifixus thundered through the chapel, full of power and gloom. The seventh lesson was read – the women go to the tomb. They find two angels who tell them the good news that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. The hymn “This joyful Eastertide” rang out through the building, as the choir sang jubilantly. The final lesson, was read by the Bishop Emeritus, revealing the triumphant of Christ. The final blessing was read and as the final congregational “Praise to the Holiest in the height” was sung while the procession made their way through the choir assembled on the chancel steps. Earlier the congregation had stood only to sing in glorious unison for the congregational hymns Ride on Ride on, there is a Green Hill Faraway, O Dearest Lord Thy sacred Head, My God I love Thee not because, When I survey the Wondrous Cross and Praise to the Holiest. But now they stood not to sing but out of respect, in keeping with long tradition, for the finale of the service, Handel’s triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus.” By invitation, the Principal Mr. Andrew Fowler-Watt conducted. The boys sang enthusiastically, filling the chapel with their joyful voices. It was indeed without doubt an evening that captivated the hearts of the congregation filling them with a sense of awe and the meek and humble nature of Christ. The hymns sung by the choir were well balanced and brought about an added meaning to the lamentable yet glorious sacrifice of Christ the Lord. “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown”
Since arriving at the beginning of January, our welcome at Trinity College has been nothing short of warm and kind. Once settling in and exploring Kandy over the weekend, we were able to start work on Monday, excited to see within the College. We very soon learnt that the most endearing quality of a Sri Lankan is the endless hospitality and willingness to welcome others into their homes and school. Upon our first day exploring within Trinity, it has to be admitted that we were surprised, having never experienced life inside a Sri Lankan classroom. Although to all Sri Lankans it may seem common courtesy, to us English girls the impeccable manners of the boys when greeting a teacher or guest startled us in the best way possible. It was from this mere gesture that we immediately understood the respect a Trinity pupil has for their teachers. However, the one particular event that marked the first week at Trinity was the Grade 1 Welcome. Having had no special ceremony at our respective schools in England, we were in awe of the effort that had been put into making the young boys’, and parents’, first day of school so memorable. With a chapel service featuring excellently read religious passages from boys Grades 2 to 5, the parents were informed of Trinity’s key values in speeches from Principal Andrew Fowler-Watt, Mr Marasinghe and the Chaplain Rev. Sanath Medagamgoda. Compassion, self-discipline, fairness, honesty and integrity were made evident as the core ideals of the school, ensuring the boys of Trinity to graduate as mature, balanced young men ready to lead and achieve success in the outside world. Parents, children and teachers were led outside following the service, and greeted by a group of Junior School boys clothed in the traditional Kandyan dancer dress. Astounded to see these young boys performing with such spirit and confidence, Tabby and I watched in awe as we followed the drummers to the steps. Amongst a sea of Trinity flags, Grade 2 boys, adorned with their striped Trinity bow ties, made a pathway as the Grade 1s made their first descent into the Junior School of Trinity, symbolically being passed a flag by the older boys as they went. After raising the College flag and singing the national anthem followed by Trinity’s own song, parents, staff and pupils found themselves witness to a Grade 2 performance, welcoming the boys into Trinity. Tabby and myself smiled as the lyrics read ‘Welcome to Trinity, our family’. The oil lamp was lit and the Principal made a speech that I believe stressed an important message for this generation of Trinity; all these children got accepted on their own merit. Through interviews and a tough selection process, the parents sat in the crowd that day emanated pride at the firm and satisfying knowledge that their own child was deserving of the next 14 years at Trinity College. Annabel Sunnucks and Tabitha Shaw
The Choir of Trinity College celebrated their traditional Trinity-Thomian weekend held on the on the 17th and 18th of February 2018 at the College Chapel, continuing the unique tradition of brotherhood between ‘The School on The Hill’ and ‘The School by The Sea’. The tradition of the Trinity-Thomian weekend dates back to the times Mr. Clement Edward, Trinity’s first choir master, and also Mr. Ronald Thangiah, who were both old boys of S. Thomas’. This meeting of two leading schools in Sri Lanka serves to renew and replenish the relationship and brotherhood between them as they continue to stand as sibling schools in the Anglican community. The choirs of both schools are also renowned for their rich repertoire and tradition in choral music. On Saturday the 17th the Thomians were warmly welcomed by the choristers of Trinity, and after lunch and a session of cheering the cricket teams at Asgiriya, took part in a combined practice followed by a fellowship tea at the chapel lawn. After tea the choristers from both schools were at the Junior School grounds and quadrangle engaged in an enjoyable session of games: cricket, rugby, football, and basketball until evening. The fellowship dinner followed next, with customary formalities were carried out by the Principal along with the choir leaders of both schools, during which they shared a variety of ideas and interests among themselves. The Holy Communion Service was held the following day at 8.30 am with the two choirs along with the clergy from both schools. The bible readings were done by both choirs. The sermon was by the Associate Chaplain of S. Thomas’, who particularly made mention of the value of this beautiful tradition. The musical highlight of the morning, “God So Loved the World” by Bob Chilcott was performed by both choirs as a special anthem. Naturally, the chapel was filled with the glorious voices of a combined choir of more than 100 voices. The service attracted many visitors and the Trinitians particularly appreciated the presence of several parents and well wishers who travelled all the way from S. Thomas’. The fellowship breakfast followed next with the Choirs, Heads, Chaplains and staff of both schools, after which another wonderful Trinity-Thomian weekend came to an end. As the Thomians headed back down to Colombo it was indubitable that both schools had once again instilled in themselves a greater sense of brotherhood and friendship. Carrying forward this mutual bond between the two schools, the Choristers of Trinity College hopes to visit their fellow brothers 2019, along with the cricketers and the debaters for another Thomian-Trinity Weekend. Browse more Photos on Amila Alahakoon Photography and Trinity College Media Unit Photography
It was a singular honour to make a presentation for the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The Choir sang the hymn ‘God Save the Queen’, national anthem of the United Kingdom, followed by the Hallelujah Chorus conducted by the Principal on special request of the Choirmaster. Their Highnesses then walked up to the Chancel and spoke with the Choristers for a while, commenting how very well they sang and the lovely tone of the Choir. Their Highnesses spoke with the boys about their ages, different backgrounds, tastes of music and how often they performed and the variety of genres. Prince Edward showed particular interest in the unique acoustics in the Chapel and the differences of singing from within the Chancel facing each other (national anthem) and the Hallelujah Chorus facing the audience. Prince Edward is an Alumnus of Jesus College, Cambridge, whose Choir performed with the Trinity College Choir in 2014. View the full album on Trinity College Choir – Facebook Page
“For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” – St. Luke 2:11 The evening of the 10th of December 2017 marked one of the most important events in the College calendar, “The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”; Comprising 9 readings from the Bible which unfolds the story of Christ’s birth, each followed by carols related to the lesson itself. With the familiar pealing of the Chapel bell, the Choir came in procession carrying lamps, from the Principal’s Bungalow to the Chapel which was only lit by oil lamps and candles, setting the atmosphere for the Service – the scene that captures the hearts of everyone waiting in anticipation. With the traditional solo of “Once in Royal David’s City” sung by a Chorister from Grade 6, the Choir joined in harmony, accompanied by the organ, as they gracefully walked into the Choir stalls. The opening carol “Born on a New Day” by Philip Lawson, sung acapella, preceded the first lesson which was read by a chorister from Grade 6. Next was a Sinhala carol sung also related to the first lesson called “Muldegurun ge Papayen” (Sin of the first parents) for which the musical arrangement was done by the Choir itself. The second lesson spoke of God’s promise to Abraham followed by a Tamil carol named “Vinnaham Thurandu” (The Heavens Opened) which was again an arrangement done by the Choir. Both Sinhala and Tamil carols were sung with the accompaniment of Tabla and Thalampota with the organ. John C. Martin’s acapella arrangement of “The only Son from Heaven”, an organ prelude named “Herr Christ, der einge Gottessohn” composed by J.S Bach, was heard as the third lesson concluded: the prophecy of Christ’s birth by Isaiah. The carol that accompanied the fourth lesson was “Es ist ein rose estsprungen” sung acapella in German, arranged by Michael Praetorius, which is translated as “Lo how a Rose er Blooming”. “Dixit Maria a composition” by Hans Leo Hassler with its contrapuntal harmonies brought forth the message archangel Gabriel gave unto the mother of God in conjunction with the fifth lesson. Shifting to modern compositions, the Choir sang “My Love is Always Here” by Alexander Desplat which was composed for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”. Both were sung acapella. Adding to the variation in the language and style of the carols, a French carol “Quelle est cette odeur agreable”, translated as “Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing”, arranged by David Willcocks, was sung adding to the grandeur of the worship. The subtle tones and flowing notes of “All Bells in Paradise” by John Rutter enamoured the congregation to the humility embedded in the story of nativity. The Choir sang eight carols in five languages and six musical styles, of which four were acapella. The addition in the recent years of an Old Chorister soloist in the service, continued with “Good King Wenceslas”, which was also joined by the congregation. During the course of the evening many well known congregational carols such as “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Hark the Herald”, “Unto us is Born a Son” were sung by the Choir while some verses were sung only by the congregation. The traditional carol “O Come all ye Faithful” was sung while the Choir recessed to the west door to end the last verse with the popular descant, marking the end of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Once again it was, without doubt, an evening that moved the hearts of all those who took part in this meaningful advent service, and lifted their spirits through a variety of music and readings from the Bible. We are assured that the evening filled them with a sense of meekness, love and humility; the true spirit of Christ whose incarnation was celebrated. Picture Credits to Neson George, Trinity College Media Unit and Amila Alahakoon Photography