Arts
Together in the spirit of the season
The sounds of Christmas:A rehearsal in progress
Just follow the Christmas music and it will lead you to well known music teacher Menaka De Fonseka Sahabandu’s home. When you walk in, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a school choir practice in progress. Almost lost in the swarm of young female faces, Menaka, behind the piano is totally immersed in the current song while Dmitri Gunatilake manages to flag our attention and conduct the choir at the same time. On December 1, Dmitri, backed by her music guru- Menaka and a mixed choir will usher in Christmas with a recital of Christmas music.
Colombo’s theatre lovers have encountered Dmitri through her starring roles in musical theatre productions. In 2008 she landed the lead in the Workshop Players’ ‘The Sound of Music’ and later in ‘Evita’ (2012) and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (2014). Her theatrical career has also seen her in Jehan Aloysius’s “Reality Show” (2015) and she has worked as music director for several musical theatre productions as well.
Keen to explore her background in music and singing, Dmitri had her first solo recital last year staying in her comfort zone of classical, Broadway and jazz. This time around she’s paying homage to her favourite time of the year, she tells us, hoping to give her audience a cosy evening of beloved Christmas classics with an elegant touch. Most of her performance will be backed by a choir that comprises past choristers from her alma mater Bishop’s College, the Menaka Singers and the choir of St. Joseph’s Church, Nugegoda- choristers she has grown up singing with.
“It’ll make people think of their own loved ones,” remarks Inakshi Polgampola who first met Dmitri when they were at Bishop’s. They trained under the late Ruwani Seimon in both the school choir and her ensemble “Voices in Harmony”. Inakshi has watched Dmitri grow as a school chorister (where they were leader and deputy leader of the school choir) to a professional singer and now a music director. “It’s her conducting,” which adds the extra oomph to a performance, Inakshi observes, as the choir’s crisp, dramatic crescendos and expression reverberate in the background.
Joining most of the past Bishopian choristers are Dulani Denipitiya and Jehani Gamalathge from the Menaka Singers. Dulani was also privy to Dmitri’s signature grin and her goofy yet firm work ethic when she too was a member of Voices in Harmony and then after with the Menaka Singers. “I’ve never been to a Christmas recital,” admits Dulani, echoing a common, curious sentiment toward the show. For Jehani, (who is also a Bishopian) the recital is both a time to indulge in “that one time of the year” spirit and music while also being “a reunion” she smiles.
When Dmitri first approached Menaka De Fonseka Sahabandu about starting singing classes, the established teacher was blown away by her voice. Accompanying Dmitri on the piano, she feels only pride for her student’s drive “it’s music for a good cause with likeminded people getting together.”
In harmony: Dmitri (standing) and Menaka. Pix by Ranjith Perera. Dmitri is also pictured in our cover
For Christine Fernando and Denise Samarawickrama from the choir of St. Joseph’s Church, the recital’s opening number “Season of Light” sums up the show and is an all-round favourite. One of the more unfamiliar songs, the classical piece describes the hum of activity and the festive atmosphere of the season – an ideal starter for the programme. The two youngsters who first heard Dmitri sing at St. Joseph’s Church almost ten years ago are excited to be a part of “something different”.
For Akushla Andrew, the chance to sing for a special cause such as the “Pibidena Kekulu Fund” is a privilege. A past pupil of Bishop’s, working with Dmitri again was an incentive as she has always looked up to her then choir leader. “She knows how to control the choir and have fun at the same time,” Akushla says. With familiar arrangements and a few newer songs “Christmas really starts from December 1” adds Akushla, the recital providing the ideal “warm up” for the season.
A Recital by Dmitri Gunatilake- An Evening of Christmas Music will be held on December 1 at the Western Province Aesthetic Resort Auditorium . Tickets priced at Rs. 1500 and 1000 are available at Nelu; 0112852820/ 0777315995 and Kent 0112448844/ 0718734728. For further details contact Charith 0775281299, Mariam 0727514684 and Dinushki 0771674105. Proceeds in aid of the Pibidena Kekulu Fund of the Cancer Care Association.