On April 26, more than 400 attendees from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered to experience “Namo” (to bow down and worship), a musical worship concert celebrating St. Bede, Toronto’s 100th anniversary. The event featured renowned musician Clement Vedanayagam Sasthriyar, who brought to life traditional Tamil Christian songs (Keerthanais) composed by his great-grandfathers.
Clement Sasthriyar is a seventh-generation descendant of the revered Vedanayagam Sasthriyar, the 18th-century Tamil poet and theologian, hailing from a lineage honoured with the title “Sasthriyar” (the learned one) for their contributions to literature, poetry and music. Mr. Sasthriyar’s musical journey led him to explore both Carnatic and Western classical music from a young age, allowing him to create a unique fusion that honours his ancestral roots while embracing contemporary expressions.
During “Namo,” he showcased his mastery of the violin and the depth of his compositions while engaging the audience in singing popular Tamil songs that have touched countless hearts over decades and generations. He was joined by lead singer Melita Suresh, St. Bede’s vocalists and an ensemble of musicians playing keyboard, guitars, drums, tabla and flute. The performance also featured the Ezhraites and the St. Bede’s choir, creating a harmonious blend of South Indian musical heritage and Western classical influences.
The concert was not only a musical feast but also a spiritual journey, with each Keerthanai thoughtfully explained in English, allowing the diverse audience to connect deeply with the songs’ meanings.
This event was the culmination of a year of centenary celebrations for St. Bede. The year was marked with special worship services, bible studies, youth confirmations and special outreach projects, while reflecting on a century of faith, celebrating the present and prayerfully looking forward to continuing the mission of being a beacon of light and hope in the community.
For those who missed the live performance, the full concert is available to watch on St. Bede’s YouTube channel (www.stbedesanglican.ca/sasthriyar).
