Music institute hits high note with 110 years’ service in Lanka

By Madhushala Senaratne

The annual High Scorers’ Concert and the distribution of awards for 2007 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London, will be held at the Bishop’s College auditorium today. The board’s showpiece of excellence, the High Scorers’ Concert, provides an opportunity to young high achievers to display their skills in singing and playing a range of instruments.

This year’s event coincides with the visit of Tim Arnold, the ABRSM’s director international operations, who arrived in the island on May 8. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr. Arnold said that Sri Lankan students had high standards of music, while the teachers showed enthusiasm and dedication.

“The key issue is trying to keep the music standard alive. This year Sri Lanka’s Board celebrates 110 years. This is a phenomenal record and very few centres outside Britain have achieved this,” he said, adding that the successes and standards achieved against many difficulties such as the conflict, was indeed remarkable.

“There is tremendous dedication and thirst on the part of the teachers to improve,” he said. “ABRSM would continue to help keep Western music alive in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Arnold said. Over a period of 110 years in Sri Lanka, ABRSM exams have imparted the broadest education in music designed to motivate and encourage high standards of performance.

The result is a vast galaxy of concert artistes who have enthralled audiences the world over. During his visit Mr. Arnold met teachers, students and others involved with Western music in Sri Lanka.