Opera places Colombo in the ‘Spotlight’ in January with Sri Lanka Tourism

The much talked and written about opera of love, betrayal and rituals ‘ The Pearl Fishers’ will be performed at BMICH on January 9 and 11 by a cast of over 150 comprising musicians from France, India, Korea and Sri Lanka, drawing the attention of the international media to Sri Lanka.

The cast from overseas have been in Colombo, since December 27, as guests of the Samudra Hotel School of Sri Lanka Tourism. The composer of the opera Georges Bizet being French, and the participation of Benjamin Levy one of Europe's most talented and renowned conductors with a team of leading musicians from the Pelleas Orchestra has heightened the interest of the French media, in particular, in this production and performance. LCI, MEZO and FRANCE 24 invited by Sri Lanka Tourism are already in Colombo covering the events leading up to the days of the performances. This comes in the wake of TV 5 a TV channel watched over 5 million viewers in France recently broadcasting "Echapees Belles" (Beautiful Escape) Sri Lanka.

Also in Colombo, is Patricia Panton - stage director, resident producer and director of the opera's of Monte Carlo, internationally acclaimed for staging successful operas in many parts of the world. Aude Priya Engel the Soprano in the role of Leila, is Mumbai born and has previously performed the role in 2005. She has also taken the lead in the 'Fakir of Benares' in 2002, and performed as Zerlina in Mozart's Don Giovanni; Mickaela in Bizet's Carmen and Violettain Verdi's Traviatta in 2006 -2007. Vikrant Subramaniam the Baritone in the role of Zurga, Phillipe Desandre - bass, will sing the of Nouraband; Hungarian born Gabriella Boda Rechner will conduct the Delhi Choir and Antonio Redon the executive producer brings with him a wide repertoire of experience and excellence in staging concerts and operas.

Sri Lankan talent of international repute Dr Ajith Abeysekera will lead the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, with Menaka de Fonseka and her choir complementing the singing. Senaka de Silva will co-ordinate the production and handle stage design, giving Georges Bizet's French opera based on Sri Lanka's legendary pearl fishery and created in 1863, an added glamour and modernity showcasing Sri Lankan sophistication and talent.

The wide attention and media coverage of the performances will continue the positive interest in Sri Lanka generated by the cricket media in December during the England Sri Lanka test series. 'The Pearl Fishers' will carry on the good work done for Sri Lanka by its cricketing stars. The cast will spend over three weeks in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism is determined to make their stay a delightful experience, taking back happy memories which will remain with them long after the glamour of the performances fade and destination Sri Lanka a land like no other will be spoken of as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean an enchanting destination.

The Neemrana Music Foundation's visit to Sri Lanka is sponsored by Sri Lanka Tourism in association with Sri Lanka Telecom, the Indo- Sri Lanka Foundation, the French embassy in Sri Lanka, Lafarge, Cultures France, BMICH auditorium, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Indian Council for Cultural relations, Delair Travels, The Galle Literary Festival, MTV- MBC Network, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times and Lankadeepa.