Yesterday Once More to bring back memories of 60s and 70s female singers
View(s):
Dr. Manella Joseph: With faith by her side she sings the songs she loves. Pic by Athula Devapriya
First there were six, then there were three, then two and now there is only one. What started off as the Winslow 6 has now become solo performances by Dr. Manella Joseph, but she is not discouraged. “As long as God grants me the power to sing I will continue to do so,” she states firmly. A passionate singer, this time she will be donating all proceeds from her concert to the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women to help fund the repairs of their hostel.
A pathologist by profession, Dr. Joseph feels that because she does not pursue singing as her full-time career, she is able to do what others sometimes cannot. “There is a limited market for originals in English today so singers tend to avoid writing originals because they can’t earn a good income and their music won’t sell,” she says, adding that she does not focus on such issues because she only sings for pleasure and not for profit. Although there will be no originals at this concert, her philosophy towards singing has influenced her greatly in organizing the event.. “I want people to sit and enjoy the music, and I’m not planning a singalong as such,” she explains, adding that her songs will be sure to attract people.
She will be singing songs from leading female artists from the 1960s and 70s, and feels that it will be of particular interest for those above the age of 50.
Deeply spiritual, Dr. Joseph shares the beautiful way in which the details of the concert fell into place. “I had already planned to have a concert previously when I was contacted by the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women to sing at a dinner they were organizing. I kept thinking it’s a shame that some of the proceeds from that dinner would go towards meeting the cost of the venue and other overheads and thought it would be better if I did my concert for them,” she says smiling. The fact that this concert will feature only female artists is a happy co-incidence, and Dr. Joseph believes that it is all due to the power of God. “I believe that God makes things happen and without him, we would be nothing,” she says, adding that even the way in which all the issues she has faced so far have been resolved points to this fact.
The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women has a hostel which provides accommodation for 25 female undergraduates. The hostel is in need of repairs, and all proceeds from the concert will be for the hostel repair project.
The event is titled ‘Yesterday Once More’; a song she feels could not have been more perfect even if it was written specifically for the concert. “The lyrics speak of the songs which take you back to a particular time and that’s what the songs of this concert is all about,” she explains. She will sings songs from Connie Francis, Shirley Bassey, Nana Mouskouri, Karen Carpenter, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Crystal Gayle, Dolly Parton, Roberta Flack, Barbara Streisand, Olivia-Newton John, Rukmani Devi and Latha Walpola.
“My granddaughter shows interest in performing and I have great hopes to pass on my legacy to her,” says Dr. Joseph.
‘Yesterday Once More’ will be held on September 16 at the Tourist Board Auditorium (opposite Crescat) from 7p.m. onwards. Tickets priced at Rs. 2000, 1500 and 1000 can be obtained by calling Dr. Joseph on 0777188028. Tickets are selling out fast, so call soon to avoid disappointment.