Dmitri strikes a new note with Sinhala classics
Dmitri Gunathilake
No stranger to Colombo’s music and theatre scene, the very talented Dmitri Gunathilake is venturing into a new sphere for her with “Mathakayan”, a tribute to much loved Sinhala classics, ranging from the golden 70s’ through the more modern eras.
Much like the language duality seen in the name of the recital, Dmitri wishes to create a blend of the Western and Oriental varieties of music that she has experienced in her life. “I come from a well Westernised background and this is my way of combining the two,’ she says as she stresses her desire to go further into the Sinhala music industry – in her own style. “The most important thing is to never change your sound, or take away what makes you you.”
Dmitri was initially taught by music director Ruwani Seimon where her potential to perform was developed. Later she was classically trained under Menaka De Fonseka Sahabandu. She went on to gain an LTCL (Singing, recital) from the Trinity College of London. Dmitri was primarily involved with her school choir when she was asked to take part in a production of “Guttila”. From there onwards she became intertwined with the theatre world going on to star in productions such as the Workshop Players’ Sound of Music (2008), Evita (2012) and The Phantom Of the Opera (2014) as Maria Von Trapp, Eva Peron and Christine Daae, respectively.
This is the very first time the singer is showcasing her ability to sing Sinhala songs to the public. “As nerve-wracking as it seems, I’ve always wanted to do a show like this,” Dmitri says. After having received positive feedback from Visharadha Nirmala Ranathunga, she felt more confident to do the show.
Dmitri aims to give the audience a sense of nostalgia through a carefully chosen programme. From the 15 items, there’ll be “a lot of oldies” and a variety of songs by C.T. Fernando to the Gypsies, film music and other famous Sinhala classics.
“I hope there will be appreciation from younger generations as well as the older crowd,” she says.
Juggling many roles as lawyer, vocal coach and choir director, it wasn’t easy for Dmitri to plan and put together a show, especially given the times. Nonetheless, she is glad to do so as it was not just about the entertainment aspect of the show, but the benefits that extend not only to her but to the other facilitators involved.
The concert will be held at the Women’s International Club (Garden), Colombo 7, on October 15 at 7.15 p.m. Accompanying her will be Mariam Wadood on piano, Charith Fernando on drums, Shalintha Rodrigo on bass, Ajith Kodikara on Eastern Flute, and Tiyanie Sahabandu on violin. The show will also feature Minesh Dissanayake as a guest artist. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2000 with free seating.
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