Of music, bonds and friendship: Junior Symphony Orchestra in concert
View(s):Nurturing the next generation of musicians has always been a priority with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL). Carrying on this tradition, the SOSL is currently training the young musicians of the Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO) who will be seen in concert on December 3 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, directed by Dushyanthi Perera, the current Resident Conductor of the SOSL.
Programme highlights include J.S. Bach’s “Sleepers Wake,” selections from Grieg’s “Peer Gynt”, Holst’s “Jupiter”, the finale from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and works by more modern composers such as Shostakovitch and Britten.
Growing their skills: The young musicians at practice
Along with Dushy Perera, senior musicians of the SOSL have spent many months training the young students ranging in age from 11 to 25, and who come from many areas of the island, from many schools and universities. This training, provided free, has given the young musicians an opportunity to grow their skills and appreciation of classical music, while enjoying the thrill of making music with their peers. Many of the current senior musicians had their introduction to orchestral playing through the Youth Orchestras of the SOSL, and early conductors of these Youth Orchestras were eminent musicians like Earle de Fonseka and Lalanath de Silva.
JSO leader: Aleeza Salie
Here some of the young musicians – Aleeza Salie, 16, (leader of the JSO) and Sukith Siriwardana, 21 (tenor trombone), talk of their experience in the JSO.
Says Aleeza, “Classical music has a timeless nature that resonates deeply with me. It evokes a wide range of emotions conveyed through intricate melodies, harmonies, and dynamics. I personally find it incredibly fulfilling to delve into composers’ works and bring their stories to life.”
Sukith enjoys how the playing styles vary for different composers – “from expressive melodies by composers like Grieg and Dvorak, to the strict rhythms of Mozart and Beethoven; playing it all is a challenge!”
For Aleeza, the collaborative aspect of playing in an orchestra is significant. “Each of us plays a unique role, and when we come together, we create something much greater. Hearing the outcome, knowing that every instrument contributes to a unified sound, is truly surreal. It’s an incredibly enjoyable process that has taught me to be more mindful and attentive.”
“Beyond the music, the friendships forged within the orchestra make the experience even more rewarding and fulfilling,” she adds.
Sukith says that feeling so many of the different melodies and harmonies blend in together so beautifully and being a part of that whirlwind is an amazing experience.
They are both grateful and appreciative of the training they have had from SOSL conductor Dushyanthi Perera. “Her passion for music is infectious, and her insightful feedback has been invaluable to my growth as a musician, as it has for many others, helping us play with expression and nuance. Her patience and dedication are unmatched, and her sense of humour makes the learning process both enjoyable and inspiring,” says Aleeza.
“I have learnt so much from Dushy Aunty – when to look at the conductor, how to adjust to changes in tempo, the importance of feeling and phrasing the music…” says Sukith.
Being part of the JSO has been a transformative experience, says Aleeza, adding that is has pushed her to grow as a musician, as it has for all of them. “The orchestra has deepened my enjoyment of playing the violin, as it has allowed me to experience the instrument as part of something larger. It’s taught me the art of collaboration and helped me foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral music.
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