Arts
The theatre came alive once again with the sound of instrumentals
There was amazing synergy and harmony that communicated so joyfully to the audience among every single instrument played on the stage of the Bishop’s College auditorium on September 27 as Sound Scope presented ‘Beyond the Song’ — one of the first live shows since Sri Lanka began grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christo
Performing their instrumental take on well known classics, modern hits and well-loved Broadway numbers, the five-person ensemble of Nishantha Warnakulasuriya, Tilanka Jayamanne, Lydia Goonetilleke, Christo Prins and Shobi Perera were clearly delighted to be back on stage as seen in the lively chemistry between them.
“Everyone has different highlights from the evening, which is great to hear because it seems like we covered everyone’s tastes! I can’t wait to organise the next concert,” Founder of Sound Scope flautist Tilanka said excitedly, grateful and happy that the arrangements all worked well.
Tilanka and Nishantha’s original composition Storm which was a rapid succession of crescending highs mirroring the fury of nature unleashed and ending with the sweet notes from the flute to represent the warm ray of sunshine after a bad storm, set the tone for the rest of the concert which was electric and vibrant.
Guest vocalists CC of Salvage and Melissa Pereira who spun and nailed their renditions of Adele’s ‘Set fire to the rain’ and from the Greatest Showman soundtrack ‘Million dreams/ This is me mashup’, Elton John’s ‘Goodbye yellow brick road’ and ‘Meatloaf’s Anything for love’ worked their own magic on the audience in their brief appearances.
Dragonfly, another original composed by Tilanka was a groovy, upbeat tune that had everyone tapping their feet as musical duels between the instruments brought out the musicians’ skill.
With music for everyone from a Coldplay medley, songs from Beauty and the Beast, Sinatra, Elton John, Pink and many more well loved numbers, the show’s smooth repertoire was complemented by excellent sound and lighting. COVID health regulations were carefully followed giving the audience, happy to be back in a theatre, reassurance and anticipation of Sound Scope’s promised next concert!
Nishantha
Lydia, Shobi and Tilanka. Px by Sameera Weerasekera