Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Piano, poetry, drums and drama
If ever there was tradition mingled with innovativeness it’s the Thomian Dram Soc. the society now in its 133rd year of existence produces some of the most creative productions. In July it was Antigone on the chapel steps which drew large crowds of theatre loving people.

Another production is on the calendar this September/October. This time it’s the ever famous Piano and Drums. The first being in 2004, where the society produced a show with music and poetry of all ages.

This year Piano and Drums will go on the boards on September 30, and October 2 at the Punchi Theatre. The show will feature for the very first time the jazz ensemble and the Chamber Orchestra of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.

The Jazz Ensemble in its one year of existence has performed a wide range of music and has catered to a wider audience as well, some of which includes the felicitation of Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan at the Colombo Plaza, President’s Counsel felicitation in attendance by the President of Sri Lanka, guest performers of the Christmas Festival at the Prime Minister’s residence, school Christmas shows and Old Boys’ day performances.

The group comprises Chaminda Samaraweera on drums and percussion who is also responsible for the selection of music for the ensemble. Damitha Peiris will be on clarinet and saxophone. On bass guitar/box guitar will be George Kennedy.

The Chamber Orchestra is led by Nipun Ranasinghe and assisted by Harith De Mel. The Orchestra was founded in 1998 where they made debut for the farewell concert of the former Warden the late Neville de Alwis. Since then the orchestra has performed at many school functions and at the Remembrance Day services. The orchestra is guided by Manilal Weerakone.

The soloists will be Elmo Shamugam, Dinal Dias, Anushka Samarasinghe and Avishka Samarasinghe. Guest artistes for the evening will be former Head Prefect of the College Dayan Fernando. Ms. Bhayagani Benedict who has been actively involved with the Jazz group, will perform for the show.

The Concert consists of music by David Elgar, Tim Rice and Brian Adams performed by the Chamber Orchestra. The Jazz Ensemble will then take over the show performing music from films, musicals, Gospels, Jazz and the ever popular 70s and 80s. This year the audience will also play a key role in the show – a sing-a-long of all famous medleys will be in the programme.

The music will be interspersed with poetry renditions led by Dilesh Dias. Poetry ranging from those of Wordsworth to Thomas Hardy would be performed as solo and choral speech.

Tickets for the show are available at the College Office and at the Punchi Theatre at Rs. 350 (limited number of seating).

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