A classical feast with maestro conductor Robert Ryker and the Gustav Mahler Orchestra
View(s):- Upcoming concert another learning curve for the young musicians, says Srimal Weerasinghe, chief conductor of the orchestra
By Mithahasini Ratnayake
On November 22 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo presents, “Maestro Robert Rÿker conducts Brahms, Haydn and Verdi”, the 9th concert of their 2023-2024 season which was opened in May. Apart from the anticipation of the audience, awaiting their exposure to such a unique musical experience, there is a buzz of excitement on the part of the orchestra as well, preparing to work with a world-class guest conductor.
The concert is in fact, the final event of an entire musical venture planned by the Colombo Mahler Society. Beyond this show, also known as the ‘final gala concert’, they will be performing a series of five concerts within a period of two weeks, with three programmes of different variety. There will be one private concert and three educational concerts which focus on a learning experience for university students and school students in Sri Lanka.
The orchestra with Srimal Weerasinghe at the helm (left) preparing to work with a world-class guest conductor. Pic by Sagara Lakmal de Mel
Takaya Anada
The highlight of the night will be the dynamic presence of American born conductor Maestro Robert Ryker, as he leads the Gustav Mahler Orchestra. A pioneer and an innovator in the music world, having founded orchestras on three continents – the Tokyo Sinfonia, North Bay Symphony, and National Philharmonic of India, he is the Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Tokyo Sinfonia Orchestra in Japan and has conducted several major orchestras all over the world, from China to Peru. He has earned high praise for his recordings of works by Bach, Beethoven, Gershwin, Mendelssohn and Schubert as well as many other composers, for his profoundly expressive renditions.
Additionally, the orchestra will be joined by Takaya Anada, Principal Cellist of the Tokyo Sinfonia, appearing as a soloist in this concert. Takaya performed with the Gustav Mahler Orchestra of Colombo earlier this year at the opening concert of the season, as guest principal. He also provides regular masterclasses for several Sri Lankan cellists. Without a doubt, the orchestra is looking forward to seeing Takaya in action as a soloist this time around. Chiharu Moriyama, Principal Viola of the Tokyo Sinfonia, will also be performing with the orchestra.
Robert Ryker
The programme for the evening will feature the works of Giuseppe Verdi, Joseph Haydn and Johannes Brahms. Verdi’s opera begins with a powerful overture; Overture to La Forza del Destino, which the orchestra will perform. Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major, being one of his earlier works, will be performed by Takaya Anada, backed by the orchestra. The pieces by Brahms are the stylistic variations on a theme known as St. Anthony’s Chorale, by Haydn.
With each concert, the young musicians of the Mahler Society experience a learning curve, enduring challenging rehearsals that put their skill to test, only to come out of it as more rounded musicians as they discover the potential of their own talents. “My vision for the Gustav Mahler Orchestra has been that it becomes a place of learning for musicians as much as it is a performing orchestra delivering for audiences,” says Srimal Weerasinghe, chief conductor of the orchestra. He says that within the last six seasons, the orchestra has performed some of the most difficult pieces in the orchestral repertoire for the first time in the country, which he is humbled to mention.
“We designed the GMSC to be a space where any hard-working, skilled musician could perform and learn western classical music irrespective of age, where they came from or any other circumstances. This time too, the orchestra prepares for a fresh experience, where the string section of the orchestra is expected to perform as a big chamber ensemble. In this arrangement, each player is entrusted with a unique part, in contrast to the usual display of sectional segmentation. “This brings us the best of both worlds, chamber music and orchestral music,” adds Srimal.
Tickets for the show are priced at Rs. 10,000, 7,000, 5,000, 3,000, 2,000 and 1,000 (balcony – unreserved), which can be purchased via WhatsApp on
077 798 7030 or in person at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The show will commence at 7.30 p.m.
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