Redefining beats
View(s):
Band Leader - Stephen Jayasundara
Senoir Asst. Band Leader - Hiruksha De Silva
Junior Asst. Band Leader - Maithrika Kushlantha
Fifty young Thomians will march to the beat of oriental drums next weekend when “Kinnara 14’ – Beats Redefined” unfolds on February 28 at the steps of the College Chapel. Presented by the Hewisi Band of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, the show will bring together over 10 other bands from around the country for a spectacular evening of eastern instrumentals.
This year the school’s Hewisi band, which was first formed in 1979, celebrates 6 years of staging the show. The series of concerts was initiated in 2009 to promote the genre amongst young music enthusiasts.
“This year’s concert will usher in a whole new dimension to the Hewisi band genre of music in Sri Lanka,” teacher in charge Charitha Fernando was quoted as saying in a statement. “This will be a transformative moment for the entire series as well.”
The troupe consists of 50 young Thomians playing the many vibrant instruments of a Hewisi troupe, led by Band Leader Stephen Jayasundara, assisted by Senior Assistant Band Leader Hiruksha De Silva and Junior Assistant Band Leader Maithrika Kushlantha, under the guidance of Suraj Peiris. For diversity the young instrumentalists have also invited troupes of a similar genre from across the island.
Kinnara 14’ will also see the participation of other school troupes from around the country. Tickets for the show can be purchased from the school’s OBA Secretariat, Sports Complex and at the entrance.