A myriad of musical moods
Catch flautist Tilanka Jayamanne and pianist Joshua Asokan performing at the Russian Cultural Centre this month. Titled ‘A Myriad of Moods’, the recital will explore the works of composers such as Schubert, Rutter and Taktakishvili.
Magazine cover design by Srimal Dilip
The duo are accomplished musicians who have also performed with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka on several occasions. “We work very well together,” says Joshua, 19, of partnering with Tilanka for this show.
“I’ve seen Tilanka on stage many times before we were introduced to each other – he’s an exceptionally talented performer.” Their mutual regard for each other and a shared appreciation for lesser explored compositions on the Lankan stage fuelled the preparation for this show, where they will perform together for the first time.
Tilanka, 27, is a business analyst by profession, known for his talent with the flute. He began learning the instrument under Sita Joseph de Saram, continuing lessons with the talented Surekha Amarasinghe.
Tilanka has performed in Sri Lanka (including two solo recitals with the Symphony Orchestra) and in the UK and India as well.
Joshua is one of the youngest pianists and composers in the business – he started playing the piano by ear when he was just three, later receiving formal training at the age of 11.
The pianist studied under the tutelage of instructors like Joy Gnanadurai, Mary Anne David, Ramya de Livera Perera and Eshantha Peiris (learning composition and conducting under the latter), and directed his debut show ‘Sing Gloria!’ last year.
This show is a mini fundraiser for a larger concert that Joshua hopes to organize next year. “When he asked me to join him for a recital I was more than happy to come on board,” says Tilanka.
The two find common ground first and foremost in their music. “We’re able to talk about it and with that progression collectively form a musical opinion,” says Joshua.
At the recital they will perform a selection of favourites that are not often performed locally. Their show is already somewhat of a rarity in Colombo as a flute and piano recital and while the boys are conscious of their audience they also don’t want to compromise on the quality of the music they’ll be taking on.
“We have to start with performing more serious music in the country,” Joshua explains. “While the audience is a priority we also need to deal more with proper classical music or it’s just going to be a very stagnant environment, musically.”
The programme for the night consists of compositions by Franz Schubert, Otar Taktakishvelli and John Rutter among others. “The pieces we’ve picked are very technical and sophisticated,” Tilanka says.
Joshua is more eloquent with his words, expressing the beauty of the chaos present in certain compositions; “This music was dictated by the times in which it was written, during the World Wars. You can feel the chaos, but also the beauty in the music.”
‘A Myriad of Moods’ takes to the Russian Cultural Centre on Saturday, November 21 from 7 pm onwards. Tickets priced at Rs. 1000 (free seating) can be obtained by calling 0712754500 or 0776959593.