by Tyron Devotta
A 60-year musical journey reaches a poignant milestone following the passing of Father Claver Perera. Former members of his choirs are organizing a reunion to celebrate and revive the musical legacy that helped shape Sri Lanka’s choral tradition.
The initiative began during a casual holiday conversation between former choir members Romeish De Mel, Geoffrey Alagaratnam, and Tyronne Paiva—old friends who have maintained their connection since their days at St. Peter’s College. What started as nostalgic reminiscing has evolved into an ambitious plan to bring together the original voices that once filled churches and concert halls under Father Claver’s exacting direction.
The Italian Connection
Father Claver Perera’s distinctive approach to choral music originated during his formative years in Rome. While spending five years at the Propaganda Fide College for his priestly studies, he participated in the papal choir, a diverse ensemble of over 60 international seminarian voices where he served as the regular tenor soloist. During this time, he discovered and fell deeply in love with Italian mountain songs—rustic a cappella harmonies that celebrated the beauty of the Italian countryside.
“He brought a lot of Italian mountain songs to us in Sri Lanka,” explains Geoffrey Alagaratnam, a senior member of the group. “These were harmonies with no musical instruments, a cappella. They would sing about the mountains, spring, various aspects of weather and their life. It was very much akin to their culture and their way of life.”
This Italian influence would become a cornerstone of his musical philosophy, eventually expanding to include Neapolitan songs, classical pieces, and operatic selections that challenged and inspired some of the island’s singers for decades.
From St. Mary’s to St. Peter’s: Building a Legacy
Father Claver’s choral journey in Sri Lanka began in the late 1960s at St. Mary’s Church, where he served as assistant parish priest to Father Joe De Mel. There, he established the St. Mary’s Choral group, drawing primarily from St. Peter’s College old boys, including the Alagaratnam brothers, Tilakawardena brothers, Raj Phillips, Francis de Almeida, and other notable voices. The group also welcomed Josephians, creating an inclusive musical family that transcended school loyalties which sang mainly secular songs.
The breakthrough moment came when the choir entered the German, Cultural Institute, All Island Choir Contest around 1969-70. Performing at the SLBC auditorium, they stunned judges Lorraine Abeysekara, Lylie Godridge, Prof. Valentine Basanayake, and others who had “not heard a choir like this before.” The first-place victory marked the beginning of what would become a legendary musical journey.
Later, when Father Claver moved to St. Peter’s College, first as prefect of discipline and eventually as rector, he expanded his vision to include a full four-part harmony structure with sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses.
The Perfectionist’s Touch
Those who sang under Father Claver remember him as a demanding perfectionist who expected nothing less than excellence. “He was a taskmaster when it came to delivery,” recalls Tyronne Paiva. “He would be quick to call out someone who came in half a beat late.”
This attention to detail extended beyond mere musical precision. Father Claver understood that Catholic ritual was inherently dramatic, incorporating elements of theater, lighting, and staging that enhanced the spiritual experience. His work in theater at St. Peter‘s College alongside Jerome de Silva is part of the legacy he left behind!
The year’s musical calendar revolved around two major highlights: Christmas and Easter. Easter particularly was “a long-drawn-out affair” with at least four separate events—Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday —each requiring different repertoire and showcasing various aspects of the traditional mass.
The Reunion Challenge
Now, 15 years after Father Claver’s passing in 2010, the reunion organizers face unique challenges. Of the 60 names currently on their list, over 50% are living outside Sri Lanka. The question remains whether these scattered voices will make the journey home for this December gathering, or if those already on the island will be sufficient to recreate the magic.
The organizers acknowledge that not everyone has maintained their vocal skills over the decades. “Some people still visit and they can sing, maybe some have not been doing it of late, but we give them timely warning they might practice some songs,” explains one organizer. “The whole idea is supposed to be a bit of a celebration, a remembrance, and a fun thing.”
Honoring the Musical Diversity
The planned reunion will showcase the full spectrum of Father Claver’s musical legacy: Italian mountain songs that started it all, classical pieces that challenged singers technically, operatic selections that showcased individual talents, and religious works that formed the backbone of liturgical celebrations. Each genre represents a different facet of his comprehensive approach to choral music.
The selection will include “songs which were closest to his heart to keep the legacy going and show the original,” ensuring that attendees and audiences alike will experience the breadth of musical territory that Father Claver explored with his choirs over decades.
A Legacy That Lives On
While Father Claver’s direct influence ended with his passing, his impact continues through various successors. Theatre icons like Jerome de Silva have built upon the foundation he provided, branching into musicals and other theatrical productions. The St. Mary’s Choral group and the Petrite Choral group continue to operate, carrying forward his traditions and training methods.
However, this reunion specifically focuses on those who sang directly under Father Claver’s baton during his lifetime—the core groups who experienced firsthand his demanding standards, his innovative repertoire, and his transformative influence on Sri Lankan choral music.
The December Gathering
As December approaches, the anticipation builds among former choir members. Will voices that once blended in perfect harmony be able to recapture that magic after years of separation? The organizers remain optimistic: “We are confident that the bulk of the singers would be able to deliver.”
Perhaps more importantly, the reunion represents something beyond musical performance. It’s an opportunity to honor a man whose vision elevated Sri Lankan choral music, whose perfectionist standards inspired excellence, and whose legacy continues to influence musicians and music lovers a decade and a half after his final bow.
For those who experienced the intensity of Father Claver’s rehearsals, the drama of his Easter and Christmas productions, and the joy of his secular concerts, this December reunion promises to be more than just a musical gathering—it will be a celebration of a legacy that helped define an era in Sri Lankan musical history.
Please Note: the core group consists of Geoffrey Alagaratnam, Michael Elias (associate member), Romeish De Mel, Keith Wijesuriya, Tyronne Paiva, Tyron Devotta and Gihan Seneviratne.
Contact Person:
Romeish De Mel
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