Arts

Jayasisura - 2007 - Nawamini

Art, according to the Professor Yogi Koichiro is an individual's search for identity. It is the most powerful and at the same time a universal language, which reproduces one's grasp and digestion of visual objects, under the sun.

Therefore an artist who has a special style implies a unique absorption of reality and an unmatched eloquence. Jayasiri Semage and his students are such artists who have a unique style of paintings.

A group of young artists, all students of senior Arts teacher Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage will hold an exhibition of paintings at the Lionel Wendt Gallery from February 9 to 11. This will be the third exhibition of Semage's pupils.

The exhibition will comprise more than 90 paintings by 09 young artists, in acrylic, oils and water colours depicting Sri Lankan rural life, Buddhist Themes and Historical Sites. All these works of art depict a very close resemblance to their teachers' style and technique. This influence, however, instead of being restrictive, has enriched the creative imagination of the students.

They have effectively managed to express their visual images through the language of tradition and technique of their master.

Semage, unlike some other artists, was never tutored by any master and does not belong to any school or group. He was born with this special talent, which he has cultivated and experimented with over the years.

The idea of an art class was given to Semage by the students a couple of years ago when they were impressed by his paintings at one of his local solo exhibitions.

He had by then, bagged many international awards and established his name among the art lovers of Sweden, Thailand, Nepal, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, where he has held many exhibitions.

According to Semage he accepted the requests by the young people, as it opened a "new beginning" for him to transmit "Semage Style" to future generations. A batch of nine students who have different talents in artistic creations have completed their one year training programme under Semage.

The opening ceremony of this exhibition of paintings will be held on Friday, February 9 at 6 p.m. The chief guest will be the first lady Honourable Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Former Vice Chancellor of Sri Jayawardenepura University Mr. Chandima Wijebandara, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne and the famous actor Ravindra Randeniya are the group of speakers.

The exhibition will be opened for the public on 10th and 11th Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Extraordinary music with the healing touch

Virtuoso violinist Lakshman Joseph de Saram says that the harp "is a major orchestral instrument and it is rarely taken up by people as an instrument of expression.

There are no harps in Sri Lanka because of the humidity factor and therefore, difficult to be maintained. The harp is one of the oldest instruments, it evolves from the lyre and it is symbolic of music".

For the first time in Asia Erik Berglund, singer and harpist from Mt. Shasta, California will give a recital at St. Joseph's College, Chapel Colombo on February 27.

He is a unique artist who combines his extraordinary musical talents with the spirit and power of God's healing gifts. According to reviews Erik sings like an angel with a refined tenor voice accompanied by the crystalline sounds of his Irish harp and synthesizer orchestration.

His music is known for its angelic connection and his latest release the album 'Somewhere' is unique in its creative compositions.

Other harpists and harp makers are always fascinated to see and try to play his unusual harp. Because of its relative lightness, Erik has been able to travel with it all over the world in very unusual circumstances.

He has performed in New York City, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, St. John's Cathedral and the United Nations.

He has performed on a boat, a torch lit cavern in Greece, at Machn Piccu in Peru, the Chalice Well in Glastonbury, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, at the Great pyramids of Egypt, to the Mount of the Beatitudes above the Sea of Galilee in Israel and fascinatingly played for the dolphins in the islands of Hawaii.

Many people feel that his music reminds them of heaven and the angels. Erik's concerts are unique, uplifting and filled with magical moments that can long be cherished.

The media sponsors for Eric Berglund's recital are Sunday Observer and Daily News.

Fascinating concert

by Mahes Perera

The music of trumpeter Eric Truffaz was fascinating!

The concert last Saturday at the British School Auditorium presented by Alliance Francaise was an experience which proved to the audience of the development in experimental improvisation by a quartet, in this world of contemporary music. Funk jazz and fusion-jazz were the tempos for the evening plus the elegant sound drawn from the books of the great trumpeter Miles Davis.

Eric Truffaz's electronic trumpet sounds laced with speed was a delight and showcased his virtuosity which has given his quartet the acknowledged praise they have received during their many tours. What also stood out was the interaction between the trumpet of Truffaz and the stunning artistry of the pianist/keyboardist Malcolm Braff.

In fact without exaggeration Braff with his virtuoso melodic playing stole the show time and time again.

His effortless playing was amazing. All the compositions were originals and the supporting musicians Christophe Chambert on bass and Marc Ebetta on drums carried the ideas of the trumpeter and pianist with a melodic thrust that spiced up the music.

Their improvisation was strong, steady and interesting.After three selections of music Erik Truffaz invited Vidyapathi Ravi Bandu to sit in on tabla for the fusion segment. It was a familiar setting for Ravi Bandu this fusion interaction, and he went into the music with his usual panache which proved that he was a master at this game.

Time signatures, solo statements and quick fire exchanges between tabla, drums and bass were lapped up by the audience.

A surprise awaited the audience when multi-instrumentalist and sitarist Sarangan was announced in by Truffaz.

This was fusion extended! Sarangan started his performance with the Kalyani raga and thereafter went into the interaction with tabla, drums and keyboards, the build up reaching a fascinating high. It was all unexpected and how glorious it was - this experimental improvisation with a strong jazz base.