The sound of new music
View(s):- Tilanka Jayamanne, the mastermind of the upcoming concert ‘Neo Symphony’ invites music lovers to come with an open mind
By Sajani Ratnayake
‘Neo’, meaning new, encapsulates the variety of music that will be coming together at this concert – stepping away from the traditional idea of a Western classical symphony, by infusing different genres of music along with the classical elements.
Stepping out of their comfort zones to create something different. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
This concept requires the musicians to step outside their comfort zones and interpret music in a new way too, Tilanka tells the Sunday Times. The different instruments, inclusive of Eastern instruments such as the tabla to more modern music such as the use of a DJ, will blend together to create a musical synergy, a ‘new’ sound.
Tilanka recalls how the idea for the concert began; by figuring out the best kind of music that he could create, and freeing himself from societal expectations to create music that was authentic to himself. Hence, the programme will feature his original compositions ranging from cinematic, new age to fusion items – a broad spectrum.
Tilanka Jayamanne: Giving his own spin to music
The other half of the programme includes his own interpretations and arrangements of different pieces. Each represents a story, solely conveyed through the music and its phases.
The audience can look forward to some unique instrument combinations too, such as a fusion-acoustic that brings together a cajon, flute, guitar and bass, and a DJ medley featuring instruments of the orchestral family. The lineup includes an original song by Tilanka with lyrics by Chrisantha De Silva sung by Melissa Pereira. The widely popular DJ Lunatics, will be featured too.
Joining Tilanka at this show are some exciting talents: Lydia Goonetilleke Jayamanne, Shobi Perera, Harith Shihan, Amila Abeysekera, Pradeep John, Sidath Nallaperuma, Daniel Prins, Jayana Gunasekara, Gayanath Dahanayake, Sulara Nanayakkara and Sanduni Vishaka (all save Pradeep and Sulara seen in our Magazine cover pic).
Allowing them the creative freedom to improvise and showcase their own styles, Tilanka talks of how it all coming together has been an inspiring process for him. He has had long associations with most of the musicians and is excited at this new collaboration.
Violinist Lydia Goonetilleke Jayamanne, who happens to be Tilanka’s wife, describes how this experience has pushed them all to adapt to different styles and focus purely on what the particular piece would require; constantly fluctuating time signatures, sticking to their cues and collaborating with non-orchestral instruments to create music that is very raw. The challenge, says Lydia, has been creating the final product by combining the instruments and coordinating each intricate detail.
Thus, the skills of the players will shine – not only through their individuality, but their ability to listen to each other, as there is no conductor. The players thus transcend sheet music, to bring in all the finer details that could never be written down.
In a rapidly developing technological world, Tilanka’s words of encouragement for all musicians to think out of the box and put their own spin on music become far more significant. He believes pure artistry stems from the courage to give it your best shot, without caring about what others think.
‘Neo Symphony’ is a glimpse into Tilanka’s own mind and passion, as well as a larger, broad spectrum of music that is unrestrained and fresh. The audience is urged to be open-minded to new forms of creative expression, and be prepared to hear a completely ‘new sound’. It is only then that the magic of music can be truly appreciated, showing us how anything is possible through the intertwined hands of imagination and music.
Neo Symphony is on June 20 at 7.30 p.m at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets priced from Rs. 7500-2000 (Balcony) can be bought online. Contact 0755517733 for the box plan.
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