Arts

Striking a note of hope and unity

The musicians who will come together for You’ll Never Walk Alone: The Concert, talk to Sashini Rodrigo

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As a performer and a fan, music has always helped Chrisantha de Silva (CC) emote and address his feelings better. On this note, he firmly believes music plays an essential role in healing the victims in the aftermath of the Easter tragedy.

Christopher Prins

CC is one among the many artists who will take the stage at You’ll Never Walk Alone: The Concert. Presented by Sound Scope in association with Zonta Sri Lanka, the concert will take place on August 30 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.

Proceeds from the show will be donated towards Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s fund for the education of children who have been affected in the Katuwapitiya and Kochchikade attacks, and the Zonta Sri Lanka Chapter who will contribute funds to victims of the Zion Church.

This week we met up with the artists, who shared their commitment to the cause. Many of them were initially approached by Tilanka Jayamanne and Nishantha Warnakulasuriya for the music video tribute that kicked off the ongoing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ project.

“I wanted to lend my voice to try and give people hope in this tragic time, by reminding them they were not alone,” CC recalls. “Sri Lankan people always prove how resilient they are in the midst of a crisis,” he says, adding how proud he is that the communities have remained peaceful in the aftermath.

The mash-up of the two songs, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Imagine’, which the video focused on were ones that struck a chord with Monique Pallegama. This was because she felt it was a necessary message at the time. Monique has enjoyed working on this project; she finds the passion, understanding and respect which each musician has towards the project and each other something “so rare and definitely a pleasure to work with.”

“As entertaining as this concert is going to be, we are working towards enriching precious lives,” says Monique.

Minesh Dissanayake also felt it was “a no brainer to join the other musicians and contribute towards a good cause.” He personally feels that being able to give back to people is one of the best feelings you could experience as a musician. “This performance is going to be fun, and definitely something to bop along to, and sing to,” he tells us.

Next up was Sheaam Dean, who had only got involved in the project a couple of weeks ago. He acknowledges that singing a few songs is a small thing compared to what those affected have to go through. Yet, he believes this is “the least of what we can do as musicians.”

Sheaam feels music is a really an important and effective way to get through to people because it is universally accessible, and hopes the concert will spread the word about what needs to be done.

Melissa Pereira. Pic by Shayne Perera

Also sharing in the belief that music is universal is Melissa Pereira who feels privileged to be a part of the show, because as she puts it, music connects and brings people together.

The talented artists will also be backed by a team of instrumentalists, who share an equal passion towards the cause. When guitarist Pradeep John and bassist Shevanka Fernando first heard about the project, they were eager to help.

“As musicians it’s our responsibility to do something for the community,” Pradeep says. He adds that the different artists will add a special ambience to the show. As someone who has used music as a source of healing in tough times, Shevanka believes that “bringing everyone together shows that we’re all in this together.”

It’s clear the artists are here simply out of a pure love for humanity, regardless of race or religion. Having come straight to practice after a gig in Bentota, Christopher (Christo) Prins is still sounding fresh and energetic with the signature joyful enthusiasm he puts into his drumming.

“God has blessed me abundantly and one of the biggest blessings I have is to be able to play music,” he shares. Being given the opportunity to use it to benefit people, especially in this circumstance, Christo felt that he really needed to commit more to this than anything else.

“I’m the oldest guy here!” he laughs, and tells us that it has been a “special experience” working with the talented young musicians who are giving their time to this cause.

The show promises to feature songs ranging from several genres. It will also include performances by Daniella Perera, Nathan Jim Eardly together with the other instrumentals by Lydia Goonetilleke, Rukshan Aponso, Shobi Perera as well as directors Nishantha Warnakulasuriya and Tilanka Jayamanne themselves. The evening will also be enlivened with guest performances by Camerati, The Old Joes’ Choir and the De Lanerolle Brothers.

For reservations and box plan, contact Shenelle Perera on 076 785 3293. Tickets are priced at Rs. 3500, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2500, Rs. 2000, Rs. 1500 and Rs. 900 (for balcony).

For more information log on to their event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/484547578777191/