Entertainment / People

Infectious rhythms
 

by Mahes Perera

The infectious rhythm of the Sri Lanka baila turns on a dancing mood and Chandimal and the 2nd Connection's non stop baila 2006 CD is an ideal one to keep you in that happy dancing mood. Titled Infinity the CD features his former members as well as the present - a re-union he had planned some months ago.

The CD contains something like 26 bailas played non stop and are divided into two sections - the present favourites and the old ones. Starting off with the haunting fishermen's song Muhudu Yamu, Chandimal has succeeded in keeping the interest of the music lover till the end.

Ale Bende, Irin Josapin, Salli Deela - a humorous skit on the mini dress, Kollupitiya Junction - sung in English, Be Be, Awurudu 53, Re Dolahata are some of the selections.

In the second section are the time honoured evergreens like Yakada Thalanna, Irai Handai, Chuda Manike, Varsity Kollo, Dompe Aya, Singiri Singare, Wella Simbina and more. The music direction, Chandimal informs us, was by him, so too the arrangements and concept. The CD was released on the Torana Music label.

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Sixtieth Anniversary of Sinhala cinema

The National Film Corporation organised a series of events last week to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sinhala cinema. The events included the opening of an auditorium at the Corporation's premises, the opening of a studio with non-linear editing facilities.

The Chairman of the Film Corporation Ashoka Serasinghe participated in the ceremonies along with other officials.

A collaboration with the Kelaniya University and the National Film Academy was entered into and a Film Directory for 2007 to be launched was agreed upon. A mini theatre with digital technology facilities saw the screening of two films Ammawarune and Sankara.

In 1947 on this same date (January 21) the first Sinhala talkie 'Kadauwuna Poronduwa' was screened. Produced by S.M. Nayagam and directed by Jyotish Singh the film starred Rukmani Devi, B.A.W. Jayamanne, Eddie Jayamanne, Jemini Kantha, Hugo Fernando, Peter Pieris, Stanley Mallawarachchi and Betram Fernando. In 1947 the film became a hot hit instantly.

Presidential Film Awards

On Tuesday January 30, the Presidential Film Awards will honour artistes selected from those involved in fifteen films screened in 2005 and eighteen films screened in 2006.

The Awards ceremony will be held at the BMICH with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The monetary awards have been doubled at this year's ceremony which coincides with the 35th anniversary of the National Film Corporation.

Rhapsody in Blue

A fund raiser concert featuring the St. Cecilia's Choir of St. Joseph's College will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt on February 7 and February 8 at 6.30 pm each day.

The choral concert called Rhapsody in Blue will also feature the 24-strong Old Joes Choir.

Significantly the 70 young voices of St. Cecilia's Choir trained by Francis D. Almeida comprise boy sopranos and altos, tenors and basses. Their programme will include excerpts from Handel's Messiah, The Coronation, the Benedictus and the Humming Chorus.

On the lighter side the choir will sing songs from the Lion King, the Rugby World Cup theme World in Union, the evergreen 'My Prayer' and more. The proceeds of the concert will go to the Rev. Brother Hilary Nursery School run by the dedicated La Sallian Brothers.

Special parking arrangements have been made for the benefit of patrons.

MP

For the young and trendy

This year's Colombo Fashion Week reached out to the young and trendy considering the fact that Coca Cola Light was a sponsor to this mega event.

It was held at the Trans Asia yesterday and the day before.

The 2007 Colombo Fashion Week was held for the second consecutive year and featured ten top designers from India and the very best from Sri Lanka.

The event brought together fashion personalities such as Nanditha Basu, Abhishek Gupta, Sonali White, Michael Wijeysuria and Yoland. The fashions reflected the youth trends in the fashion capitals of the world, brought glamour to the Sri Lankan industry.

Local designs were given an eclectic mix of the ethnic and international designs.

Speaking on the participation of Coca-Cola, the Head of Marketing Dusty Alahakoon commented that "as a brand associated with the young and trendy, we are very happy to partner this year's biggest fashion event and thus be able to uplift the fashion industry in Sri Lanka.

Fusion percussionist on Planet Pulse

Leading fusion percussionist Nesan Thiagarajan will be featured in a half hour slot on Planet Pulse along with Derek Wickremanayake - guitar, Chris Dhason - acoustic drums. The spotlight will also fall on the carnatic singer Akilan. The programme will be telecast on January 31 on MTV at 10.00 p.m. and is something music lovers can look forward to.

Nesan Thiagarajan a popular and acknowledged vocalese/percussionist has graced many a stage in Sri Lanka as well as abroad. A much sought after musician for his creative ideas, Nesan says he looks forward to playing with musicians who can improvise with ease be they in the Western or Oriental idiom.

With the talented guitarist Derek, the acoustic drummer Chris and of course the singer Akilan, Nesan commented that he enjoyed every moment of their play and interplay in this fusion programme.