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Watch out for Evolution By Thiruni Kelegama Different. That is certainly how you would term 'Evolution', a live, unplugged musical, the latest performance by the Old Joes Choir,
The
Old Joes Choir was formed in 1997 and has evolved to become one
of the leading chorale groups in Sri Lanka. Their forte is not just
spiritual and classical music, but also modern contemporary music. 'Preghiera',
their launch concert was held in 1999. The repertoire consisted
of spiritual music. 'Evolution',
a live and unplugged musical, however does not comply with the norms
of a traditional evening of music. The event is unique as the repertoire
for the evening will range from 18th century classical music to
modern contemporary rock. The choir will be accompanied by a 22-member
Chamber Orchestra. The pianist for the evening is Kamalinie Samarakoon
who worked with them in Circle of Life II. Scheduled to
be held on August 23 and 24 at the Russian Cultural Centre, 'Evolution'
is the first step through which the choir hopes to master the art
of Acapella music and remain a choir that provides entertainment
for everyone. Their focus is on evolving from spiritual and classical
music to performing any type of choral music in the innovative spirit
of the Old Joes Choir. "This
is definitely not going to be a traditional choir performance. The
costumes will be different from the usual costumes worn by a choir,
the music would be different as most of the songs have been re-worked,"
said the producer of 'Evolution' Michael Ranasinghe. "Music
lovers will find this a novel experience." Mr. Ranasinghe
stressed that most of the songs to be performed by the choir have
been re-worked. Deshan Cooray, the choral director is responsible
for this, as well as the direction of 'Evolution'. He conceptualized
how each song can be performed chorally; therefore he changed the
interlude to suit a choir, then added a different range of instruments
and changed the harmony. He has also been assisted by Kamalinie
Samarakoon and Damien of Wildfire. "He certainly is a creative
genius, he has somehow made sure that there is something for everyone
to listen to and enjoy!" added Michael. Why was it
called 'Evolution'? The question was answered by Dayan Gunesekara,
the choir leader. "The idea was to branch out and project ourselves
as a contemporary outfit. We have evolved from just another choir
to one that is not afraid to experiment with anything. Therefore,
we called this maiden performance in which we would dare to be different
'Evolution', as we would be proving this to the audience. Most people
like to listen to different types of music, therefore we made sure
this show would cater to everyone." "We wanted
it to be personal; not for a mass market. This way we can set out
to reveal to the audience that we can handle anything..." added
Dayan, "be it a piece by Bach or a number by Queen or the Beatles."
He also stated that their vision is to team up with a European Choral
Group, who have tentatively agreed to visit Sri Lanka in the first
half of 2003. The main sponsor
for 'Evolution' is Sinwa Footwear and the co-sponsors are Elephant
Cream Soda, 101.7 TNL, Lite 89.2 and The Sunday Times. With performances from 18th century masterpieces, Broadway musicals, music from the 70's, contemporary music and modern rock, 'Evolution' is sure to cast a whole new light on the music scene of today. Guaranteed. Rocking
with HOPE The organizers
promise a different kind of experience in one of the biggest musical
concerts to be held this year. The students of Information Technology
and Business Studies at APIIT hope to promote social awareness of
the need for the proposed new hospital and also to highlight our
responsibilities towards the society we live in. As budding business
leaders and IT professionals of the future, they say it is important
to understand that our duty towards fellow human beings should come
before "higher profit margins." The youth of the country have led the campaign to raise funds for the HOPE Cancer Hospital project since its inception and now the students of APIIT Lanka have taken the initiative to promote the concept further, with genuine commitment and a spirit of love. They invite each and every citizen to join hands with them to light the candle of hope for the future and to have faith in human goodness; because faith is the fountain of hope and hope is the fountain of life itself. |
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