Arts
Never a dull note with Rukshan
The man needs absolutely no introduction. From his beginnings performing with Clarence Wijewardena and the Super Golden Chimes to his global presence as a performer in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and the UAE, Rukshan Perera is a well-known and respected name in most music circles.
Since his return to Sri Lanka, he has hosted five consecutive mega concerts, performing pop, blues, jazz and experimental music, always for a worthy cause.
This time is no different. “Rukshan Perera Live in Concert VI” in aid of the Sunera Foundation will take place at the Bishop’s College Auditorium starting 7 p.m. next Sunday, February 7.
Over and above the diverse musical styles that make up Rukshan’s shows, there is a hallmark of simple fun that sets the tone for his audience, no matter where he goes, be it a formal concert or sing-along.
Despite his disarmingly friendly nature and humble presentation, Rukshan commands considerable respect as a musician in Colombo, and is able to bring together the best of pop singers together.
Joining him onstage next week will be the Colombo Brass Ensemble and chamber musicians led by Sureka Amerasinghe as well as bassist Ray Gomes, drummer Lelum Rathnayake, Hasitha Maduranga and Shane Vaas from ‘Glory’ on keyboards and guitar respectively, Nuwan Balasuriya on oriental flute, Rajitha Rupasinghe of Mystique and Clifford Richards.
The impressive line-up will give you a full evening’s worth of pop, jazz, blues and experimental music, fully worth any other plans you may have to cancel!
The theme for this year’s show is “Walk on the Rainbow” featuring TNL onstage winner Kamishka Morais and Rajitha Rupasinghe, a song written and dedicated specially to the Sunera Foundation.
The Foundation is committed to uplifting the lives of differently abled youngsters across the island through training in the performing arts, and has gained a reputation for hosting some of the best globally acclaimed performers to grace a Colombo stage.
Rukshan is a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan, and was introduced to Sunera Foundation when founder Sunethra Bandaranaike addressed the club at the beginning of 2015. The singer/songwriter was inspired by their work and has pledged all proceeds from next week’s concert to the foundation.
The programme will feature a number of Rukshan’s classics which have developed into favourites of his audience, as well as some new compositions which he has not performed before. Among these is the emotive “Angel in my Hand” for which he will be joined by Sonali de Soyza’s 8-14 year-old ‘Little Sopranos’.
“The first time I held her…” Rukshan begins, and trails off, smiling and shrugging, unable to describe the moment which inspired this song.
“Angel in my Hand” was written for his now four-month-old granddaughter (the third grandchild of the singer) on her birth, and is only one of his songs written for such special occasions. Another song inspired simply by a moment is “Backwaters with Raj” which Rukshan composed while on a river cruise in Kerala.
“We were gliding down the river, and the breeze was blowing in my face, and I suddenly had this song!” he smiles.
While some of the numbers he will play at the concert next Sunday were inspired by such special personal moments, a lot of Rukshan’s songs are inspired by external situations and events which affect the singer/song-writer.
“Eka Mawakage Daruwo” (Children of One Mother) is one such song which talks of racial and religious harmony, something the artiste is passionate about.
Rukshan’s brother Melantha Perera from Mirage fame will also be featured on this number, alongside students from the “River Sheen School of Music” in Moratuwa.
“River Sheen” school is named after the music-filled house in which Rukshan and Melantha grew up, learning music from their mother. The two will also sing “We are Brothers” which was written in memory of her.
“He’s Out” is the other new number inspired by a particular moment, though this time in the future. Rukshan is so sure “the boys will bring the cup home” this time that he’s already written a song to celebrate, which he will share with his audience next week.
Other fun things to look forward to include the familiar favourite “Gossip Queen”, an entirely new version of the classic “Master Sir” and another new crazy-fun number “Mage Moley” (My Brain), which Rukshan laughingly says is a song about “someone in a complete confusion”.
If you have already seen Rukshan Perera Live in Concert, then you know you mustn’t miss this. And if you haven’t, we recommend you be there! Tickets are available at Park Street Mews and Fashion Optics (on Flower Road). Call 0773057220.