Trilingual treat by SOSL
It was a concert that promised to go beyond an ordinary orchestral experience, when the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) presented their very first trilingual concert, “Trilingual Extravaganza”, at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on October 20. And it certainly met the expectations of the full house present.
The concert opened with ‘Superman Returns’, followed by the ‘Mission Impossible Theme’, the familiar film music of an SOSL Pops Concert. Then came the Soul Sounds choir with a rendition of ‘Master Sir’ by Nimal Mendis, arranged for them by Natasha Senanayake. It was indeed a unique experience to see beloved local melodies performed by an orchestra, showcasing the potential of Sinhala music in such a setting too.
Showcasing versatility: SOSL concert with a difference
This was followed by ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ by the prominent Indian musician, A.R. Rahman, with the orchestra enhanced by oriental instruments, the ‘batanala’ and tabla, blending key elements of Eastern music within a Western orchestra.
This was followed by a tender performance of ‘Ukulata Nawath’ by Rookantha Goonatilake arranged by Sachiththa Fernando and featuring Dilan Angunawela on the piano, his fluid hands gliding over the keys to create a feeling of tranquillity. In contrast, was the Soul Sounds Academy Children’s Choir, bursting with energy as they lit up the stage with the Swahili song, ‘Baba Yetu’, adding to the diversity of this concert.
The nostalgic melody of ‘Olu Pipila’ by Sunil Shantha filled the hall as Naveen Fernando serenaded the audience with the flugelhorn; this song was a pivotal one for 20-century Sri Lankan music and this performance reminded us all why. Popular heavy metal and hard rock vocalist Chitral Somapala performing his own song ‘Nadee Ganga’, with the orchestra was similarly enthralling.
The wind instruments then took over, with the sultry Latin pop song, ‘Havana’, which was followed by the Soul Sounds Choir with ‘Balleilakka’ by A.R. Rahman- a fast-paced and complex piece, showcasing the versatility of the orchestra and the choir.
‘The Coldplay Suite’ arranged by Shannon Jacob saw some of the band’s most famous hits, from ‘Clocks’ to ‘Paradise’ to ‘Fix You’- seamlessly transitioning from one song to the other.
A beautiful rendition of ‘Ai Kale Adarei’ by Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman followed with the combination of Soundarie David Rodrigo for the choral arrangement and Sachiththa Fernando for the orchestral arrangement, Finally, it was Chitral Somapala with the support of the Soul Sounds Academy Choir taking on the challenge of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Freddie Mercury, a fitting finale.
There was also an additional surprise item, as all the Soul Sounds Choirs joined the Symphony Orchestra to perform Michael Jackson’s ‘We Are the World’.
Not only the musicians on stage but those responsible for the skilful musical arrangements and the conductor Nishantha Warnakulasooriya, whose passion and musicality shone throughout the concert, must be commended.
This was truly a concert for the books, hopefully the first of many more.
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