The Lanerolle bros are back with classical greats and yes, a bit of Broadway too
Performing classical music is not easy. While doing justice to compositions by the Greats such as Mozart and Mendelssohn requires intense concentration and technique, a performer has to be able to captivate his audience throughout the show. Why not add a voice harmony; and if it didn’t already seem challenging enough, throw in a few Broadway classics as well. Come September 23, music lovers of Colombo will be able to watch this scene unfold as the de Lanerolle brothers present “Bathe in a Sea of Symphonies and Melodies“, an evening of classical and Broadway music with British Sri Lankan born pianist Caroline Jeya Ratnam and British opera singer Helen Massey.
Ishan and Rohan. Pic by Mangala Weerasekera
It was during a summer school programme in England in 2002 that Rohan first met opera singer Helen Massey when the two were put into a group and told to perform a musical skit. Their friendship continued, and last year while in London the brothers talked to her with their idea for collaboration and then looked for an accompanist with Helen’s help. It was a stroke of coincidence that directed the duo to Sri Lankan born pianist Caroline Jeya Ratnam. An accomplished pianist and conductor Caroline will accompany the performers throughout the show. Both Caroline and Helen have performed around the world. Helen has enjoyed a successful career on stage and Caroline has appeared frequently on television and radio.
The brothers always aim to keep their shows inventive and entertaining. Fixed for 1 hour 15 minutes, the concise time frame of the show is well planned. “We like to bring a different dimension to our programme,” Ishan explained. They have been very selective in choosing their pieces. For the duo, performing classical pieces is all about “educating the audience as to the beauty of classical music.”“You however have to know your limit,” adds Rohan –but expect a few interesting twists.
Their version of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” will be sung as a duet. “We have kept the original harmony, but given it a twist.” The line up extends from classics by Mozart and Handel to hits from musicals such as “Les Miserables” and “The Phantom of the Opera”.
The de Lanerolle Brothers present “Bathe in a Sea of Symphonies and Melodies” accompanied by Helen Massey and Caroline Jeya Ratnam on September 23 at the Water’s Edge at 7 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs. 5000, 4000, 3000, 2000 are available at Commons, Park St Mews, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers (Horton Place), “Goodies” – Cinnamon Lake side & Water’s Edge. The Principal Sponsors for the event are Singer & Dialog (Platinum), Maliban & The Central Hospital (Gold), Audi, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers & BOC, Event Productions, Leo Burnett & Atomedia
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