She inspired them all to do it her way
Inspiring teacher: Ruwani Seimon
One thing I wanted was to grow up and play alongside her and this is the closest I will ever get to that,” says Dhanushka Seneviratne. Dhanushka is taking part in a concert in memory of his mother – the beloved singing teacher Ruwani Seimon, who died of cancer ten years ago. The tribute concert will feature 50 of Ruwani’s former students.
Ruwani Seimon was a music teacher who started her choir, ‘Voices in Harmony’ in 1996. She also trained many school choirs including the choirs of St. Bridget’s Convent, Bishop’s College, Gateway College and Wycherly International School. Under her guidance, many of her students performed well at music exams, often earning diplomas at the young age of 17. She organised many successful concerts, and insisted that all the proceeds be donated to the less fortunate, a move which won her the Zonta Award for Performing and Creative Arts in 2006 for ‘a life of service as opposed to academic achievements’.
Dhanushka Seneviratne
Taking part in the inaugural Asian Choir Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2007, the choir returned impatient to tell their beloved teacher that they had won two gold diplomas at the Games but unfortunately that was not to be as Ruwani was unconscious by that time and passed away that evening. Priyan De Livera recalls the moving scene at Asiri Hospital the day of her passing . Hundreds of her students, including those who had just returned triumphant from the Choir Games early that morning crowded the corridors and stairways outside her hospital room at Asiri Hospital, praying and singing. They sang an emotional ‘Wind beneath my wings’ in her honour. Many thought that would be the end of the singing journey her students were collectively a part of , but they are happy that today they have been able to successfully bring her music back to life.
Priyan De Livera
“After her passing, we never thought we could reunite. Her work has touched all our lives,” says Trudy Herft, adding that she feels they all owe ‘Aunty Ruwani’ their success even in their various careers because the discipline she instilled in them has remained even ten years later. Priyan describes her as a perfectionist, explaining that there was always a lot of activity at her practices, watched over of course by Ruwani’s piercing gaze. He explains that there were many strong and lasting friendships and even relationships which started at the classes, with some people who met there getting married later on, among them Dilini Perera and Dillion Fox. They were unable to be there when Ruwani passed away but are happy to be here now to take part in the concert.
Shevanka Seneviratne
“All of the main choirs in Sri Lanka have representatives of Aunty Ruwani’s singers,” states Imani Perera, who feels that this fact alone shows how great Ruwani was. Shevanka Seneviratne says this concert is proof that the musical journey his mother started has not ended yet. He feels it is a challenge to work with her students because he has not had as much time with her as they have but is eager to do so to honour the memory of his mother.
Trudy Herft
The concert will feature songs which were Ruwani’s personal favorites, as well as songs which were great crowd pleasers at her concerts. Her students are happy to be able to perform in memory of a great teacher who made such an impact on all of their lives and through diligent practice they hope that they will be able to live up to the high standards that she expected of them.“We feel her presence among us and I really hope we do her justice,” says Trudy.
‘Remembering Ru’ will be held on November 18 at Bishop’s College Auditorium. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2000, 1500, 1000 and 500 (balcony unreserved) and are available at the venue. All of the proceeds from the concert will be donated to cancer patients in need.
Rehearsing for Ru: A group of past students reunite for the concert. Pix by Ranjith Perera