Five years in harmony
The very first recording of the De Lanerolle Brothers goes back to when Rohan was six years old performing a solo with the rest of the family accompanying him. “It was about three months before I was born,” says Ishan who recalls growing up constantly surrounded by music. Music clearly does flow through their veins as anyone who has heard the brothers sing will say. On March 3 the renowned singing siblings will be back with their anniversary concert Live V at Water’s Edge celebrating half a decade of performing as the De Lanerolle Brothers.
For Rohan and Ishan singing together goes back to when they were kids. Having been brought up on a diet of 60s and 70s Sinhala and English hits it’s no wonder the two draw influence from greats such as Engelbert and Trini Lopez. “Both sides of our family are very
Ishan de Lanerolle
musical,” states Ishan with them growing up exposed to different styles of singing from baila to traditional choral music. Always the “choir boys” they have both been very actively involved with music since their days at S. Thomas’ College being members of the school choir. Interestingly the brothers didn’t limit themselves to choral singing. Ishan who was in the western band and founded the Thomian chamber orchestra was even then known for his well organised school music events; a characteristic he would carry with him as an adult. Rohan who had always been known for being a very good singer also shone on stage, winning the best actor award in school and playing the second lead role in the 1993 production of the musical South Pacific.
Singing together as a duo goes way back to their childhood, their earliest and fondest memory being a duet taught to them by their father. “It was the first time I had sung in harmony,” remembered Ishan who would go on to accompany Rohan during his early shows. Simply known then as Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle the siblings were approached by Ranil De Silva who had seen them perform at the Platters concert in Sri Lanka in 2009.” He approached us with the idea of branding ourselves” which according to Ishan was the official beginning of “the De Lanerolle Brothers”.
Known for favouring the genres of classical, spiritual and Broadway music with a sprinkling of old popular favourites all with their own unique harmonies, the duo’s dinner shows add some spice to Colombo’s music scene. “Live V” will see the brothers going back to their hits performing old favourites from their past shows but with a few new tricks up their sleeves.
Rohan de Lanerolle
“We always try to challenge ourselves. How can we do it better is a question we always ask each other,” explained Rohan of a work ethic they both share. “The fact that we’re brothers has always helped,” added Ishan who also manages a business with Rohan. Their different personalities, the mix of Ishan’s calm diplomacy and Rohan’s energy with their complete faith in each other have kept them going strong as a duo these last five years. “We keep a check on each other,” smiles Ishan.
With half a decade of their partnership behind them the future looks both busy and bright for the brothers. With trips to Slovenia and the UK on the list for 2014 along with a few collaborations also in store the duo are hoping to release a few original songs in the near future. “I don’t know when exactly,” added Rohan as the two want to put in more time into their creation. Always bringing something new to the table the brothers also feel that there will come a day when they see the exit of their dinner shows and probably dive into a new field of performance.
Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara