Back to where they began together
The first of ten: At their January concert-a fundraiser for S. Thomas’ College Pix by Ishanka Sunimal
To those who have been to a De Lanerolle Brothers show, you would know the feeling. Whether it’s Ishan’s deep bass or Rohan’s powerful baritone, the brothers have always mesmerised their audiences both young and old with their inimitable style.
Celebrating a successful decade of singing together on March 3, they will mark the day with a show at Waters Edge – a performance that holds particular sentimental memories, as Ishan De Lanerolle reveals. The concert will be held at the same venue and the same hall where they performed their very first show as the De Lanerolle Brothers back in 2009, though certainly with a more revamped production to reflect their growth as musicians.
“We believe that talent is God-given and we are giving back in any way we can,” Ishan explains.
Traditionally, they perform two concerts each year. The first, their anniversary show with a selection of music from the 60’s, 70’s and the 80’s with their signature “De Lanerolle twist to it.” The second, is the Christmas show. Aside from this, they have also had a Broadway show every year most often paired with cocktails.
Over the past four years, the brothers have also put together a BMICH theatre show with a live band – their own DLB Squared Band – and occasionally a sacred music programme at a church.
Despite their highly successful formula, the brothers have had to carefully consider how to change with the times and keep both the younger and older generations happy.
“This is indeed a challenge which needs to be approached carefully. We wouldn’t want to lose our older audience when wanting to please a younger audience, and vice versa,” Ishan explains.
The challenges are inevitable, especially when you have had a successful journey but jealousy has been one of the biggest hurdles they’ve had to overcome. “While Rohan would take it head on and hammer it out of the ground, I was sad and perhaps at times fell as a result.”
But their family bond has kept them strong
“My advice to anyone is, if you are faced with jealousy and such things, believe that you are doing something good and never give up,” Ishan says.
| ‘How Great Thou Art’- today | |
| Since celebrating ten years is a special milestone, the brothers are presenting ten shows locally and, and ten internationally – ‘Ten years of Magic & Music’. They kicked things off with a fundraiser at the BMICH for S. Thomas’ College their alma mater and will also be giving thanks with a choral programme ‘How Great Thou Art’ at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour this evening, February 24 at 7 p.m. (token programmes of Rs 1,000 will be available at the Cathedral)- before the event.
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