‘Pop Musical 2013′: Bringing the West End to Colombo
Practices are kicking up in intensity at Ashanthi’s School of Music, located down Park Road Colombo 5, where we find Ashanthi De Alwis -the youngest and only female artist in the country to be signed by an internationally-recognised record label- scampering through her busy schedule, trying to sort out the nitty-gritties of the concert.
Most of the time though, she’s doing what she does best – singing to inspire. This time around preparations are in place for ‘Pop Musical 2013′ – a Broadway inspired show that hopes to raise funds for the Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology & Vocational studies (GDITVS).
“As soon as we thought of doing the show, I visualised being in the West End, looking at the great theatres of Broadway,” Ashanthi says explaining that she drew the inspiration for the concert from this train of thought. Immense research then followed, as she pored over every single musical held on Broadway to derive the best suited for the concert.
“My intention is to give the viewer a truly unique experience in which they would feel as if they’re right in front of the Broadway theatres, soaking up the atmosphere of yesteryear,” she says. This feat is achieved by large digitised LED walls displaying graphics of each West End theatre that will be showcased at the concert together with specialised lighting and effects to bring the drama of Broadway onto the live stage.
Inspired by popular musicals currently on Broadway, including The Bodyguard, The Lion King, Thriller Live and more, the young performers from Ashanthi’s School of Music hope to set in motion a revolution in popular Broadway music and contemporary hits on the local stage.
The reportoire of music that audiences can expect on December 20, includes Broadway hits including those of the likes of ABBA, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and the Beatles, with a special Christmas item for the season.
“This year we have decided to support and raise funds for the Gamini Dissanayake Institute of Technology & Vocational Studies (GDITVS). All proceeds from our concert will go to improving the lives of under privileged youth, giving them the opportunity to educate themselves and improve their skills for the job market in Sri Lanka,” says Ashanthi.
GDITVS, situated in Nuwara Eliya comprises of a state of the art computer laboratory, with two separate electronic labs that help budding students excel in life through Vocational Studies. Although the institute initially started with the teaching of English and a Diploma Course in Computer Science, it has now expanded its courses in line with the emerging needs of the community offering diplomas in Information Technology, Pre-school education, certificate courses in business English, basic courses in computer studies, electronics, hospitality training and personality development. Since its inception in 1995 there have been over 1500 graduates produced out of which 95 % successfully secured high profile placements in leading government & private sector organisations.
‘Pop Musical 2013′ will be held on Friday, December 20 from 7 p.m onwards at the Musaeus College Auditorium. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2,500, 2,000, 1,500 and 750, with the box plan being available at the Commons and Park Street Mews, and also at the Colombo Fort Cafe and Bayleaf.