Hiru Mala Hinehenawa – A necklace of pearls!
There are songwriters and there are lyricists. There is a vast difference between the two. Creating songs for children is even more of a difficult art and the album “Hiru Mala Hinehenawa” was an amazing example to every lyricist out there.
Members of Muthuhara showing their dancing capability
The album comprises 12 original Sinhalese songs penned by well-known lyricist Maithri Panagoda, a renowned legal consultant by profession, music composed by veteran musician Dr. Shelton Premaratne and directed by his son Master Agra Premarathne.
On April 25, “Muthuhara Sydney” held their CD launch at the Don Moore Centre in celebration of their 5th anniversary. Even though the concert didn’t have any major artists apart from the lyricist, composer and musician, it was a huge success in terms of both performance and overall audience approval.
“Muthuhara” has been a popular children’s TV programme broadcast in Sri Lanka over Rupavahini. “Muthuhara” Sydney is a children’s organisation, which was founded in 2009. The group that incorporates dance, drama and music is also involved in many charity events and encompasses a broad range of members from primary to high school. They all interact with each other like a big happy family. They may be born, bred and educated in Australia, but through Muthuhara, they connect with their heritage and are exposed to the rich Sri Lankan culture.
The evening was filled with excitement, dance and music, and the young performers all exceptionally gifted had put in a lot of time, effort and dedication to make it an evening to remember. They performed a number of songs from the album and it was inspiring to see them.
Maithri Panagoda has a style of his own, and his writings are full of meaning, beauty and interest. His ability to craft poignant, memorable lyrics is noteworthy. Short and simple lines of prose with surprise, I wonder how they can form such beautiful songs. The writer is a poet, with the power to touch hearts.
Octogenerian Dr. Shelton Premaratne is a legendary musician, film and drama music director who has composed many ballads, happy, sad, feisty songs etc. since the 1940s, that are sung by almost all professional singers – young and old – in Sri Lanka. He has won many national and international awards.
Music Director Agra Premarathne, although relatively young, exhibits a mastery of his art. Directing music, creating music tracks and recording music are three things which come together in him. “I don’t have to be innovative on the spur of the moment, or instinctively artistic. I just take maximum advantage, whenever inspiration strikes,” he said. He runs his own state of the art studio “Studio Agra” in Sydney.
It’s the combination of all three that made the album magical. “Muthuhara” as the name suggests, is a string of pearls and the album “Hiru Mala Hinehenawa” was an absolute gem or shall I say an absolute necklace of pearls?