Arts
A bassoonist, classical saxophonist and more young talent
After a successful introductory concert last August, the stage is set for the second concert in the ‘Young Musicians at the Wendt’ concert series organised by the Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund, on January 17, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Chamila Madushanka
Akeel Vitarana.
Providing a platform for emerging artists in Sri Lanka, the concert will feature fresh faces (and instruments) to highlight the vast array of musical talent that the youth of this country possess.
Rushane Fernando, Emesh Wijewardena, Jehani Gamalathge, Anagi Gunasekera, Sanuja Goonetilleke, Akeel Vitarana, Andrea Leitan, Chandu Kumbukage, Rukshika Wettasinha, Zainamb Wahid, Chamila Madushanka, Chaminda Padmasiri and Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi are the young musicians who will be taking the stage this time around
A past student of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, Emesh Wijewardena is an operatic tenor who is currently studying and performing in Sicily, Italy under the guidance of legendary Italian tenor and bel canto specialist Maestro Salvatore Fisichella. In Sri Lanka he was trained by well known choir director Francis De Almeida. He has also been trained by world renowned vocal coaches such as Jack Livigni, Peter Crockford, Carlos Conde-González, Arwel Treharne Morgen and says he is humbled to have been invited to perform at the ‘Young Musicians at the Wendt’ concert.
“It (the concert series) is a much-needed concept here in Sri Lanka, because as classical music goes it is for a niche market here in Sri Lanka – the social elite. But by having youngsters who have performed well in the country and who are passionate about this type of music, it will show that classical music is alive in the sub-continent and in Sri Lanka,” Emesh tells us.
Pianist Anagi Gunasekera who will be once again performing for the concert series can’t help but feel more excitement in preparation for this second concert. “Last time, it was a really great opportunity for me to be able to meet other musicians and to try different pieces. This time, it has been more fun because it is my first time professionally accompanying someone in public and hearing a bassoonist alone!”
Anagi will be accompanying bassoonist Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi who has created quite a buzz amongst his fellow performers for being able to play a rare instrument in Sri Lanka. Originally he used to play the flute but realising that there were only a handful of bassoonists in the country and a vacancy in the National Youth Orchestra, he switched instruments.
Currently Uthsara is the Principal Bassoonist of the National Youth Orchestra of Sri Lanka, the Chamber Music Society of Colombo and the Gustav Mahler Orchestra of Colombo and is also a Bassoonist with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka and Colombo Wind Orchestra.
“I think that it is quite amazing that the Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund is giving such an opportunity to young musicians, as no other venues provides something like this. I will be performing two works and one of them is a jazz piece and jazz on the bassoon is very rare. It is a great chance for me to champion the bassoon.”
One of the younger performers of the night will be Chandu Kumbukage, a 12-year-old student at Lyceum International, Panadura. He picked up the violin aged 8 under the tutelage of Dilpahan Mallikarachchi and is presently a student of Ursula Nelius. He has completed upto ABRSM Grade 5 Violin (practical ) exams with Distinctions at all levels.
Akeel Vitarana who will be playing the saxophone ventures into new waters as he attempts to perform classical music for the show. “I have had a lot of experience in jazz, having performed jazz professionally for more than four years in venues including Jazz Unlimited, Colomboscope and competitively. This will be my first venture into classical music, and I am both excited and nervous to be given this opportunity to perform alongside such amazing musicians,” he shares.
The ‘Young Musicians at the Wendt’ concert will be the first of many events celebrating 120 years of the Lionel Wendt.
Chandu Kumbukage
Rukshika Wettasinha
Emesh Wijewardena
Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi
Anagi Gunasekera. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
The concert will be held at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on January 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 800 and Rs.500 for balcony are available at the Wendt.