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| Sunday, 19 October 2003 |
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A teenager with a rare talent in music Swinly Perera's amazing versatility is much to be admired. A singer and a multi-instrumentalist Swinly at the young age of fifteen is mature in her artistry in piano, keyboards, guitar, violin and flute. Quite naturally she hails from a family of musicians, and was nutured in a home that constantly echoed re-echoed with music - be it classical or popular. Her mother Swee runs a school of music while her father is the famous Director of the Police Band Lancelot Perera. And with their firm support and backing Swinly has released a self titled CD containing popular vocal and instrumental favourites plus two original songs with all music arrangements handled by her. This is the first time, we guess, someone so young has released a CD, and what is laudable is that Swinly has donated CDs to her school Bishop's Collegeand the proceeds from the sale go towards the school's fund. What made you record this CD? "As a child I was open to all kinds of music, listening at home and travelling in the car. Ever since I've been five years I've been in the music scene, performing on stage and I used to see other children after their performances hugging their mothers and hear their mothers say 'very good' in appreciation. So I thought I'm going to do something to hear my mum say 'very good' to me, and I'm going to surprise her with a CD. The thought geared me into active work. With my Dad's help, and without her knowledge, I recorded the tracks at the studio and presented the master copy to her, and waited in trepidation to hear her say 'very good'. I was overjoyed when she did say 'very good'. It meant a lot to me." How many originals have you included in the CD? Only two although the CD contains eighteen tracks. 'Deep Inside' is a modern song and I wrote the lyrics. The other is 'You are Sweet' - my mother's original. I re-arranged it in jazz for my mother. I play organ, violin and piano on this track." What's your opinion of pop music? Pop music is changing all the time. Songs, I think should have a meaning in lyrics and tunes should be melodic. Some songs the lyrics to me are meaningless as in rap and rock but I respect it as a form of music. On the other side Gershwin is my favourite composer and I sing 'Summertime' on the CD and my other vocals are Amazing Grace, Blue Bayou and Wonderful World. For my Dad's pleasure there's 'La Cu Caracha' which I perform on violin, flute, piano and organ." You mention concerts where did they take place? "I performed with 'Friends in Harmony' at Hotel Sofitel, Doha and at the Maldives, we had a series of concerts. In Singapore with organist Shyama Perera, I performed at concerts in aid of the Migrant Workers of Asia. I must mention that for the Millennium 2000, I was the principal violinist for a concert staged by Sirasa. The song was composed by Bathiya and Santhush and this video was telecast in 150 countries." Any other interests? "I enjoy cooking and needlework. I'm interested in dressmaking and painting. Future plans? "It will be music as a professional career and I hope to have a solo concert after my O'Levels." Swinly Perera is indeed a young phenomenon. Her music career started at the tender age of three and she gave her first public performance when she turned five. She is currently studying for Grade 7 in Piano, Grade 6 in Violin of the Royal School of Music London and Performer's Certificate in Singing in the Trinity College of Music London. She has won many all island prizes for her outstanding performances. Her self titled CD is a must for your shelf. |
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