• Performance to be held on 22 December

There’s something about December at St. Anthony’s Cathedral, Kandy. Perhaps it’s the way evening light filters through stained glass, or how ancient stones hold stories of countless Christmas nights.

Within these hallowed walls, a cherished tradition prepares to unfold. On 22 December, when the clock strikes 7 p.m., Adler: The Antonian Alumni Chorale will return with ‘The King is Coming – An Evening of Christmas Ballads’ to St. Anthony’s Cathedral – a performance that has become a holiday hallmark sparkling the spirit of Christmas.

Those who have witnessed this performance speak of its singular beauty. When the first notes rise into the vaulted ceiling, something extraordinary happens. The familiar becomes fresh, the ancient becomes immediate, and music transforms stone and spirit alike.

The Adler Chorale, founded by alumni of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, has carved a niche for themselves as a pioneering all-male choir in the region. Their commitment to excellence, rooted in the Antonian spirit, is reflected in every performance. United by their love of music, the Adlerites embody the true spirit of their college – where diversity strengthens brotherhood. The alumni, spanning continents, have created a legacy that is as much about fellowship as it is about musical excellence.

Since 2010, they’ve been quietly redefining what a Christmas celebration can be. From ancient Latin hymns and Tamil carols to English classics to Sinhala sacred songs, their repertoire spans languages and traditions. They take familiar melodies and render them new again, while unearthing forgotten treasures of sacred music. Earlier this year, they showcased this versatility with ‘Themagula’, a Vesak performance that stood out for its musical variety. The selection of songs moved away from the conventional Vesak playlist, offering a fresh and diverse experience.

Their Christmas collection carries a raw intimate energy with harmonies that pull one into the heart of the season. In the cathedral’s sacred space, where marble meets memory, their music does more than rise to the rafters – it reaches into something deeper. Perhaps it’s the way a Gregorian chant dissolves into a familiar carol, or how many languages become one voice, but something here speaks of Christmas as it should be.

In a season often lost to hurry and haste, ‘The King is Coming’ offers a moment of pause. The voices of Adlerites will once again remind us why we gather, why we sing, why we celebrate.

For those who hold this tradition close, each year unfolds like a new chapter – familiar yet filled with fresh meaning. For those yet to experience it, this December holds an invitation; to step into a tradition where faith finds its voice, and where Christmas in Kandy comes alive in perfect harmony.

(The writer is an educator of English language and literature, a theatre practitioner, a creative writer, and a TEDx speaker)

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication