The doc whose passion for music only grows stronger
Dr. Manella Joseph
A Consultant Pathologist by profession, musician by passion – Dr. Manella Joseph returns to showcase her musical talents at her upcoming concert on March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women premises at 96/25 Kithulwatta Road, Colombo 8.
Starting out in the 1970s with The Winslow Six, the musical group comprising herself and her siblings, Dr. Joseph has performed solo for the past 15 years. She is also an accomplished composer and lyricist with over 30 original creations in both English and Sinhala. While she favours pop music, her taste in music is diverse, and she mentions her fondness for reggae, ballads, soft rock and so on.
Composing music, which she began at 16 years old, is the main reason she continues music to this day as she enjoys singing her own creations.
For those curious as to how Dr. Joseph manages to maintain this distinct blend of medicine and music, she says, “Of course everybody has their own remissions and exacerbations in their life. You can’t carry on your passions in that same tempo throughout. You may have lull periods, but never give up your hobby. You need to pick what you’re really passionate about and continue doing that.”
While she may be retired from state service, Dr. Joseph continues to teach Pathology and engage in private practice while continuing her music. “What I can tell people is your happiness lies within you. If you can be content and happy with yourself and what you do, that’s the best you can achieve.”
In contrast to her previous show which featured her original songs, this concert will feature a line-up comprising exclusively of covers, yet all sung in Dr. Joseph’s own style. “I’ve selected the covers in a way that I don’t sing what you hear commonly at a wedding or a party or a get- together.” She has carefully selected popular songs familiar to most, but has also taken special care to ensure that these songs are not predictable.
Expect to hear songs from the Beatles and ABBA for she appreciates the challenge they pose.“They’re not the easy going type. They’re a little difficult and a little challenging to do, but I think they’re very listenable,” she says, describing them as beautiful, lively and happy songs.
She will be accompanied by four musicians, Suresh De Silva on piano, harmonica and mandolin, Nihal Jayawardana on guitar and piano, Thilak Dias on bass guitar and Lal Weliwita on drums.
To add to the variety there will be five special guest performers who will be covering the hits of Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Lady Gaga and several more. She chooses to withhold the identity of the guest performers, keen to have the surprise add to the evening’s experience.
To close the show with a Sri Lankan flair, Dr. Joseph will hold a sing-along with the audience of seven popular Sinhala songs.
This event will mark the 10th charitable concert by Dr. Joseph. This time, all proceeds will be donated to support the Tertiary Education Project of the Sri Lanka Federation of University Women. This project focuses primarily on the Katuwapitiya bomb blast victims – for children from the affected area to pursue their tertiary education and progress further with a basic educational foundation to support them in their later lives.
Tickets priced at Rs.2000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000 and Rs.500 are available. For inquiries and tickets contact Dr. Joseph directly on 0777188028.