Arts
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Debussy to Brahms, a musical treat from versatile Harsha Abeyaratne, who is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, has performed extensively in the United States as a soloist and collaborative pianist. His recent faculty collaborations have included performances in Huntington, West Virginia with trombonist Mike Stroeher; in Chicago, Illinois with saxophonist George Wolfe; and in Ashland, Oregon, with violinist, Elwira Kreingel. He also has research interests in Sri Lankan folk music and Robert Muczynsky's piano works. Abeyaratne's numerous awards include the Ensele Scholarship at Ball State University and the Jean Ramsudeen Scholarship at Lewis and Clark College, both for excellence in music. His schedule in the past two years included solo recitals in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Colombo. Abeyaratne, who is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, a music honour society, has served in the faculties of Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia and Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana. Harsha Abeyaratne became interested in classical music at an early age and studied piano with Mary Billimoria for several years while a student at Royal College before proceeding to the United States for studies. His educational qualifications include two undergraduate degrees in music and chemistry, respectively, from Lewis and Clark College and two advanced degrees in music from Ball State University. The concert is sponsored by Embassy of the USA, and Ceylinco Consolidated. Pera
to honour a maestro The AAUP is also launching a public appeal for funds for building the University of Peradeniya Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Art at this event. The project was triggered off by the magnificent bequest by Ian Goonetileke to the University of over 150 paintings including over 120 by George Keyt. There will be no charge for admission, but donations to the Gallery fund are requested. The AAUP requests the public to please give generously. Young
nature lovers go wild The exhibition will comprise creations of members who have successfully completed the comprehensive training course in wildlife art conducted by the association. Around 100 paintings will be on display. The main sponsor of this event is Sri Lanka Telecom. From
classical to Christmas favourites from Pera Singers The Peradeniya Singers have decided to spread the joy of Christmas and help the Rainbow Children programme for vocational training of slum children of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Hatton as their charity. This programme requires nearly Rs. 67,000 a month. The programme will include the title work In Dulci Jubilo, works by Benjamin Britten, Sinhala and Tamil Carols, a Basque Carol, new arrangements of Jingle Bells and Silent Night and a few Christmas pieces by the pop stars of today. There will be popular carols for audience participation as well. The Peradeniya Singers began life as the University Singers founded by Robin Mayhead at the University of Ceylon in 1953. Robin Mayhead came to the University's Department of English in Peradeniya from Downing College, Cambridge, where he had directed a choral group. Mayhead was committed to acapella performance, a skill he nurtured in his fledging group. The original group faded out after the departure of Robin Mayhead in 1958, though the impetus was carried to the SCM choir and the Newman Society choir, the latter directed by Frederic Ludowyk and then by Ray Forbes. The present director Bridget Halpe was a member of the Newman Society choir from 1956. She returned in 1962 from a two-year stint in Bristol studying music at the University. Drawing on her training and experience, she took over the Newman Society choir and revived the University Singers. Both choirs met regularly and presented several programmes despite disruptions over the years. Fortunately, the group already included several non-university people, and so the choir was able to continue under the new name Peradeniya Singers. A teacher,
his students and their combined colours The unassuming Ariyasena, now nearly 75 years old is the creator of the Parliament Mace. He designed the impressive piece made of ivory, sterling silver and 22-carat gold that adorns the Parliament and also the government crest or seal of state. His long career has seen many awards for art. Exhibiting with Mr. Ariyasena are sisters Purnima Abeyratne and Sugandhi Edirisinghe. Better known as a fashion designer, Purnima mainly works with oils, acrylics and water colours and finds painting a blissful escape from the stress of her profession. Sugandhi travels widely and says her work is a personal response to her life and surroundings. She favours the abstract and enjoys the use of colour to give sparkle and freshness to her work. The fourth member of the group Andrea Babapulle is drawn to landscapes and modern art. She has painted with the group for three years while Brian Kerkoven, also a designer joined them recently. Also exhibiting is Sandy de Alwis whose work is all modern. Await
those favourites The variety show was held for the first time last year as a celebration of Gratian's 25 years in the Sinhala music scene. An artist famed for playback singing, Gratian has added colour to a host of characters, ranging from the late Gamini Fonseka to Joe Abeywickrama, Sanath Gunathilake and many other actors of the younger generation. A special feature of the variety show will be film songs performed live, accompanied with clips of the original films shown on giant screens. "Ananda Rathriya Super Concert" goes on the boards on December 20 at the Tower Hall and on December 29 at the Elphinstone Theatre. -Vidushi Unforgettable
show for one of a kind Mary Anne was described as a teacher, choral director, wife, mother, friend, confidante and sometimes matchmaker and marriage broker…and summed up as "one of a kind". Extracts of various concerts conducted by Mary Anne and performed by her students were highlighted in a brief visual presentation. The audience was then treated to a live concert, ranging from excerpts from opera through Broadway to pop performed by Mary Anne's past and present pupils. The singing had all the style, panache and musicality that is associated with Mary Anne's concerts and was greatly enjoyed by the audience. The emotion with which the singers performed was clear to see in their faces and even the audience was touched by the devotion and respect these students had for their teacher. In particular "Unforgettable", sung by her son Andre, was deeply moving as he dedicated the song to his mother. Mary Anne was in tears at the end of the show….. as was most of the audience. The accompaniment was provided by Soundarie David on the piano, Neranjan de Silva on the keyboards and Christo Prins on drums. The music was outstanding, especially the piano playing of Soundarie, who excelled both on the classical scores as well the jazz and pop. Her ability to improvise and follow the singer is quite special. Along with Neranjan's keyboard artistry and Christo's rhythmic drumming, the three accompanists provided the 'oomph', which only they are capable of creating. ( Neranjan also showed his versatility through his hilarious portrayal of a 'piano playing mouse' in the Cat Duet, which had the audience in stitches of laughter.) As an aside, I am looking forward to hearing these three great music makers perform in a concert of their own and hope it will be soon. "One of a Kind" was truly so……. in Mary Anne's own words "it is extremely rare but very gratifying to receive tributes while one is still alive and to see and enjoy the appreciation of one's hard work". This concert, originated and flawlessly executed by her family and students, was a special performance in honour of a very special person. Sharmini Wettimuny |
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