From Chorister to Conductor

Singing has always been something I’ve been passionate about. Be it a school concert, a singing competition or a choir, I was always there. When I joined Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in August of 2022, for my first stint at the John Keells Group, singing wasn’t something I was expecting to do alongside work because it was always a separate part of my life. However, when I was asked to sing for the 2022 John Keells Carols – “Tidings and Tinsel”, as someone who loves Christmas almost as much as I love singing, I had to say yes!

In those initial days, I found myself surrounded by unfamiliar faces, but the common thread of music and festive spirit quickly wove a sense of fellowship. This experience for me was more than just singing carols. It was about forging connections through rehearsals, I got to know more people within the group, each sharing the same enthusiasm for creating music. The joy of harmonising with others, the thrill of learning new melodies, and the shared love for the holiday season made it a truly memorable experience.

When I rejoined the Group in 2023 – this time at Corporate Communications, singing at Tidings and Tinsel this year as well was a given. However, when the opportunity to be one of the choir conductors arose, as exciting as it was, it was a little scary since this would be my first time. But the prospect of contributing to musical arrangements and collaborating with such a talented group of people was too enticing to pass up. Stepping into the shoes of a conductor, I found myself collaborating with exceptionally skilled musicians, each bringing their unique talents to the table. Working on arrangements and harmonies was both challenging and immensely rewarding.

Beyond the music, getting to collaborate as a conductor opened doors to building relationships with people from different sectors of the Group. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for creating something beautiful brought us together, forming bonds that extended beyond the stage.

Beyond the music, getting to collaborate as a conductor opened doors to building relationships with people from different sectors of the Group. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for creating something beautiful brought us together, forming bonds that extended beyond the stage.

What started as a love for singing and Christmas evolved into a transformative experience that not only enriched my musical abilities but also allowed me to become a part of a vibrant community.