Sound support
‘Music Heals’, a concert to raise funds for the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital has a n impressive line up thanks to coordinator Nadine Samarasinghe
Nadine Samarasinghe is a one woman show when we meet her; negotiating ticket deals and finalising last minute sound checks she’s busy prepping for her first ever charity show ‘Music Heals’, to be held this Saturday at the Russian Cultural centre. “Its been absolutely mad,” she says wryly when we finally settle down for a chat. “I never thought organising something could be this difficult.”
Nadine.Pic by M.A.Pushpakumara
But she knows in her heart that this is what she wants to do. Ever since she stumbled into the world of music at the age of three, Nadine has wanted to do something great with her voice. She went through plenty of instruments before realising that singing was where her strengths lay. “I’ve been singing since forever,” she smiles. It takes a little prodding before we find out that she has toured Australia and Asia.
Nadine schooled at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya and was heavily involved with the school choir. At 19, fresh out of school and with a LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College of London) under her belt, she moved on to teach at Stafford International School. Teaching came naturally to her-both her mum and grandma were teachers. The vocation only strengthened her passion for working with children, and that’s why she’s organising Music Heals to raise funds for the Children’s Ward of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. It’s a cause she’s very passionate about, having witnessed firsthand the plight of young hopefuls blighted by the disease. “There comes a point when you realise that everything is not about you,” she says simply.
The concert will see some of the local music scene’s well known names on stage. The Rebels, Derek Wickramanayake from Wildfire, rapper Krishan Maheson, classical pianist Eshantha Peiris, the Old Joes Choir, cello group Contempo, Damien from Voiceprint and Hirushka will perform alongside Nadine at the event. Nadine herself will sing some contemporary numbers from artistes including Beyoncè and Alicia Keys-two singers that she loves for their feisty personalities and diva-esque voices.
With an impressive line up, Nadine is glad that they’re all onboard with her. She’s performed with most of them at some point or another so she knows them well enough to know that this is going to be a stellar show. “Once they heard that it was for the Cancer Hospital, it was very easy getting them onboard,” she smiles. The concert at the Russian Cultural Centre will seat a very small number-because the acoustics are good and they want to cater to a small crowd for this first show-so grab your tickets soon!
Wrapping up Nadine says she’s thankful to Trevor Rajaratnam, her family and boyfriend Dillon for all the support and invaluable assistance given for the show- “I would never have been able to do this by myself,” adding that maybe next time it’ll be bigger-but she’ll definitely get help! ‘Music Heals’ happens on the May 18 from 6.30 p.m. onwards at the Russian Cultural centre.
Tickets for the show priced at Rs. 1000 are available at Salon Kess, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07.
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