A vision of loveliness and a brilliant performance
Having literally stumbled upon the wonder of Kishani Jayasinghe when she sang for Visakha over 18 months ago, I was leaving nothing to chance this time around.
Matching the mood: Kishani at the Wendt with Ananda Dabare and Surekha Amerasinghe.
I moved my holiday to Sri Lanka one week earlier, just to ensure that I could attend Kishani sings with Friends on December 3, at the Lionel Wendt theatre. Having seen her exquisite skills first hand, quality entertainment was certainly what I expected.
What I was not quite prepared for however, was to be completely enthralled and held spellbound for two hours by a solo classical vocal artist and her team of amazing musical artist friends, Ananda Dabare master violinist, Soundarie David musician extraordinaire on the piano and Sureka Amerasinghe, our nightingale-like flautist
There was a buzz of anticipation at the Lionel Wendt, brought about by a most distinguished audience, including ambassadors and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his wife.
The stage setting was simple and elegant with two grand Roman pillars bursting with a bouquet of light coloured flowers which trickled gracefully down.
The backdrop of white was illuminated throughout the evening in different shades of colour, which enhanced the mood of the music (beautifully done by Jerome De Silva), and highlighted a sign suspended from above, displaying the name on everyone’s lips that evening.
Arun Dias Bandaranaike was as always the perfect host. I particularly liked the way his introduction to the French opera (- coupled with Kishani’s most expressive face – made me feel as though I understood everything, despite not speaking one word of French!
Witnessing this young soprano at work, was like watching a Masterclass in poise and glittering perfection – which was only heightened by the incredible sheath of stones that sparkled all across her décolleté! Donning a stunning white, pearl encrusted dress with hot pink slashing through it at the rear; complete with full skirt and train and teamed with the perfectly matched hair accessory in the form of a hot pink feather – so very French and froufrou – Kishani looked a vision of sophisticated loveliness which set the stage perfectly for the utterly divine voice that poured out of her with the oh, so appropriate Jewel Song.
This was followed by Leila’s hauntingly beautiful aria from the Pearl Fishers, which perfectly displayed her skill and mastery over her instrument.
The fiendishly difficult Waltz Song concluded the first set and ended a delicious array of French romantic opera. These challenging and powerful arias sung back to back – set the theme of perfection, vocal beauty, elegance, stamina and power for the rest of the evening.
The second segment of Sacred Music was breathtaking and perhaps my favourite of the show – it had that ethereal and heavenly quality which made it a profound experience.
The way each piece seamlessly flowed into the other was sheer genius and a huge commendation to the musicians that suspended each piece perfectly before merging it with the next.
It is easy to see why Kishani holds them in such high esteem for they were all truly excellent and displayed such mastery of technique and musicality that every note was just simply delicious.
The biggest surprise of the night was the operatic rendition of John De Silva’s Danno Budunge. The gasp of surprise that met the initial introduction was quickly followed by almost palpable and deeply felt joy.
Surely this is one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved devotional songs and to hear it sung in such a beautiful and rich operatic voice was a truly special moment of the concert.
The interval passed quickly and Kishani and her Friends returned for the lighter section of music – Kishani gliding out in elegant and sparkling black – Bespoke couture from Paris and Milan according to a reliable source.
With a jewelled tiara and mammoth single white rock to complete the outfit, she was the picture of sophistication and glamour.
The pieces that followed were timeless classics presented so brilliantly in classical operatic style and ensured Kishani kept her promise of singing something special for everyone.
Each piece was touchingly dedicated to loved ones and those who have been part of Kishani’s journey. One piece was even dedicated to us, her adoring fans who allow her to “fly to the moon and sing amongst the stars”, which surely melted even the most seasoned concert goer.
The final section of Seasonal favourites was a delight and the power and might of The Holy City brought about a deafening applause from a full house, which led to the much anticipated Encore.
Never one to do the obvious, instead of a single number, it consisted of a gorgeous and clever ensemble of My Fair Lady’s greatest hits.
The final resounding top C (after two full hours of almost non-stop powerful singing) brought the 650 something strong audience – that had religiously maintained a pin drop silence throughout – roaring to its feet.
Kishani’s humility shone through when she humbly thanked her audience and her “reason for singing” and looked close to tears herself.
She always says she loves singing at home above all else and the sincerity of the statement ensured there was nary a dry eye in the House.
Kishani has been instrumental in founding The Colombo Opera Company with patron of the arts, Mohan Tissanayagam, to bring her beloved art form to our shores.
While Mr. Tissanayagam will preside as Chairman, Kishani will function as the CEO and Artistic Director. Another incredible achievement for someone who has just been honoured with the title of International Goodwill Ambassador of the South Asia Women’s Fund.
However, the title I feel that truly describes this accomplished, versatile, humble, multi-talented, entirely Government School-educated, stunning young woman, who was born and raised in Colombo, is that of “National Treasure”.