An Anglican-run gospel choir says it is looking to break down social barriers and unite divided communities in Sri Lanka through song.

But what makes the Colombo-based Voices in Praise special is that its 25 members include Hindu, Buddhist and Christian youths.

The entire group sings in Sinhalese, Tamil, English and Latin in a choral style with the twin objectives to praise God and  emphasise on ethnic harmony. “We should not be confined by language, religion or ethnicity,” says choir coordinator Johnson Gnanadass. “We have to break barriers through music.”

The choir tried to do just that on Aug. 14 with a free concert at the Bible Auditorium in Colombo.

The group entertained nearly 100 people from different faiths with a variety of gospel songs, including the popular You Lift Me Up, and a bit of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach.

“This choir has a God-given ability to sing in different languages to deliver the message of peace,” said Reverend Savarimuthu Isaac Balakumar, the Anglican priest of St Peter’s Church in Colombo.

Each choir member respects the culture, traditions and religion of others, he said. “It’s very interesting to see them on stage.”

“Music is universal,” says a musician who accompanies the choir on the tabla (traditional drums). “As a Hindu I am happy to play for this gospel group. We are doing something meaningful, a good thing.”

Gnanadass says his choir is open to new members. “Anybody who understands our mission can join us,” he said.

Voices in Praise, popularly known as VIP Choir, was formed in 2004.

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