Three musicians from the US to star in SOSL’s ‘Romantic Masterworks’
Dr. Andrea Denis
The Romantic era of music is one filled with feeling and intensity that taps into the human soul. It requires not only an abundance of talent, but true passion to be flawlessly executed. Thus, the three international musicians from the United States of America – Dr. Jonathan Guist, Dr. Andrea Denis and Dr. Mezraq Ramli are the ideal choice to join the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) on July 27 in their ‘Romantic Masterworks’ concert, all having taken different paths in their musical journeys yet returned to the instruments they love.
Dr. Jonathan Guist’s journey began at age ten when he played clarinet in the school band. He almost quit playing in high school but was persuaded to continue by the school band director and though he pursued other avenues in college, music drew him back, all the way through to a doctoral degree.
Having earlier performed as a guest artist with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka orchestra, he says this opportunity to return for this concert as a soloist, performing a concerto by Carl Maria von Weber is an honour and a chance to revisit a beloved performance setting. ‘Clarinet Concert No.2 in E-flat, Op.74’ is considered a standard and challenging work in the repertoire for a clarinet and Guist believes the jubilant nature of the piece will be enjoyed not only by him, but the audience too. He is also excited for one of his favourite pieces, Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto, to be played by the talented young soloist, Dhiren Fernando, on the piano.
Dr. Jonathan Guist
For Guist, balancing a career as a performer and music professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley presents its challenges, but he is driven by a personal passion and dedication. Guist values the opportunity to set an example for students, and says the friendships and collaborations especially the bonds made in Sri Lanka, are very rewarding aspects of his work.
Dr. Mezraq Ramli picked up the oboe only at the age of 21 during military service after learning different instruments in the past. He studied under a well known oboist from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and says this shaped his career. He teaches oboe, bassoon, and aural skills at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and performs with several prestigious ensembles including the South Asian Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. It will be his second time performing with the SOSL, following his performance last July.
Recognized as a performing artist of the F. Lorée- Paris Oboe Company, which is the most prestigious Maison specializing in the manufacture of oboes, in 2023, his most memorable performance was at the Tokyo City Opera Hall in 2002, where he was the oboe soloist playing Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Variations on a Theme of Glinka”, accompanied by the Singapore Force Police Band. The presence of close friends Andrea Denis and Jonathan Guist on stage adds to his excitement for the SOSL concert.
Dr. Mezraq Ramli. Pix by Eshan Fernando
Dr. Andrea Denis was intrigued by the sounds of the French Horn at the age of 12. After her doctorate, she took her old professor’s position at the Stephen F. Austin State University, and became involved with this concert through Dr. Ramli’s recommendation. One of their most notable achievements was premiering Steven Bryant’s piece “Hummingbird” at the 2022 International Horn Symposium. The piece was recorded and released last year.
Though there were moments of doubt about pursuing music professionally, her family’s strong ties to music and art ultimately reinforced her passion. Coming from a family where everyone plays an instrument or sings, and being married to a musician, music remains a central part of her life, which prompts her joy of sharing it with audiences around the world.
Denis’s performance with the SOSL marks her first visit to Asia and she is keen to explore a new continent and culture, while sharing her craft.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 7500, 5000, 4000, 3000 (reserved) and 1500
(balcony unreserved) and are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
WhatsApp 0740670202 to reserve.
(Please see TV Times for more)
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