Happenings / People

Excellent entertainment

by Mahes Perera

It was an evening of good and varied entertainment, Voices in Harmony's presentation of 'A Musical Journey with Ruwani Seimon' which was staged last week, for three days, to a capacity packed Lionel Wendt.

To the ninety odd members of the choir must go our congratulations for displaying to the audience that they are not just plain hip-hop, disco crazy girls and boys, but singers who with panache can put across with emotion, songs from the broad spectrum of music which is essential, to be recognised as a good singer.

Undoubtedly congratulations must go to their dedicated and inspiring choir director Ruwani Seimon for instilling in them a sense of commitment to music over the past years and exposing them to all genres of music and song.

Musical Journey, the presentation, opened with a selection of Evergreens, as it was titled and included Amazing Grace, You'll Never Walk Alone, The Impossible Dream, When You Believe and Climb Every Mountain sung effectively by the Senior Choir and directed by Ruwani Seimon on stage.

From then on the evening was a delight to the music lover - the Senior and Junior Choirs performing nuggets from the music world that were memorable.

There was 'Killing Me Softly' and In the Mood from The Senior Choir, Amigoes Para Siempre the duet by Anagi Perera and Charith Peris, songs from Pocohontas performed by the Junior Choir, the pop songs 'I Have Nothing' sung by Sheranga Perera and 'Reach' from Amanda, Dilshani, Dmitri and Trudy.

The first half saw an original by Ruwani, a peace song 'Say, please, say' and first section ended with Folk Fusion sung by the Senior Choir, the songs arranged by Mahesh Denepitiya. The songs included Dhanno Budunge, Nimhim Sewwa, Ethnic Woman (a Bathiya and Santush composition) and Master Sir.

The second half was equally delightful. The song 'My Immortal' sung by Ashanthi Colambage, 'The Power of Love' performed by Dilini Perera and 'Quando Quaudo Quando', the duet by Safra Deen and Shiraz Badurdeen. Also, the interesting arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody by the Seniors.

Of course, the highlight of this section was 'Salam Bombay' a selection of songs from Bombay Dreams, arranged by Mahesh Denepitiya, which was a fitting finale. Mention must be made of the colourful and appropriate costumes for each act and the choreography too. As you read this, the members of Voices in Harmony must be in a euphoric mood enjoying their success.

Pianist with a delicate touch

Drop in at the Taj Samudra any week day at 4.00 p.m. and you are bound to relish the delicate and sensitive piano stylings of Manel Udugama. An acknowledged pianist Manel celebrates eighteen years of playing at the Taj Samudra this month, and still continues her job enjoying herself, as well as giving happiness to the guests at the hotel who have become her fans appreciating her wide repertoire.

In fact Manel tells us that most of the foreign guests request her to play the old Hawaiian melodies, while the Indian patrons enjoy her piano arrangements of the many Hindi hits that are aired over radio and TV.As for her repertoire, it is extremely elastic. It includes Broadway melodies, evergreens, Latin tunes, semi-classics, pop ballads and songs and some of her own compositions - mood music to suit the evenings.

A Licentiate holder of the Trinity College of Music, Manel when she is not at the Taj Samudra entertaining the guests, teaches students Western classical music and prepares them for their Trinity College examinations. She enjoys imparting knowledge in music to the students, most of whom have passed their exams with honours. We wish her all success!

M.P.

Lobo - the folk rock legend

Just four days more and Lobo fans will have the opportunity of hearing him live in concert at the Waters Edge. This is his first time in Sri Lanka and the first concert in his Eastern tour. Lobo will arrive in Sri Lanka on August 29, give his performance on Thursday August 31 at 8 p.m. and then leave Sri Lanka on September 1. The concert as we all know is presented by Waters Edge and promoted by D. K. Promotions.

For his performance Lobo will sing his major global hits like the Gold winner I'd Love You To Want Me, Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend, Me and You and a Dog Named Boo which won Adult Contemporary status.

For a period of four years in the 1970s he made the singles charts fourteen times over. Other hits that Lobo will perform include How Can I Tell Her, Rings, You Are All I Ever Need, and When Were You When I Was Falling in Love to name a few. The promoters reveal that he will be performing covers as well.

Lobo's mother was a singer in a big band, while his father was a guitarist in another big band and he was a self taught guitarist. When he was eighteen he joined Rumours his first band and found success as a singer.

Singles followed in his career of soft rock and classic pop which created a tremendous impact on the global music scene. A charismatic Lobo is sure to enthrall you, so don't miss out.

M.P.