Arts

An enchanting evening with Erik Berglund

by Indeewara Thilakarathne

For the first time in Asia, the world famous harpist Erik Berglund performed at St. Joseph's Chapel on February 27. Apart from the exclusive audience at the St.Joseph's Chapel, the performance was hailed as one of the best ever seen and experienced in Sri Lanka.

The cosmopolitan audience comprised of maestro Premasiri Khemadasa and leading figures in the Sri Lankan music scene.

It was music with spirituality which mixed harmoniously with the heart-awakening voice of Erik.

"The harpist's performance was of excellence. Erik has displayed the fact that he is not only an accomplished musician but also heart-rendering vocalist with a melodious voice." said maestro Khemadasa commenting on the extra-ordinary experience, during the intermission of the concert. The concert coincided with Erik's birthday.

Eric display was a mixture of extraordinary talent, spiritually and an experience of the healing power of God. One of the significant aspects of his music is that it awakens ancient memories and addresses the heart and mind of the listener.

The concert was organised by Sylvia Leela Isani and Satya Sabine Wilmsen on behalf of the Joy of Healing, Germany.

Eric Berglund has performed at healing retreats, conferences and workshops in places such as Machu Picu, the pyramids of Giza, Glastonbury, the Yucatan, Delphi, the Holy Land, the Great Barrior Reef, the Grand Tetons, the Venezuelan Andes, the Arizona deserts, the Hawaiian islands, St. John's Cathedral and the United Nations in New York City as well as his home in Mt. Shasta, California.

Erik Berglund is a unique recording artist who, like the troubadours of yore, combines his extraordinary musical talents with the spirit and power of God's healing gifts.

Erik sings like an angel with a refined tenor voice accompanied by the crystalline sounds of his Irish harp. He tours the world facilitating group energy in concerts, workshops, and thousands of private healing sessions.

He leads tours to sacred sites and hosts gatherings near his home in Mt. Shasta California. His music is known for its angelic connection and his latest release is an album titled "Angel Paradise".

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Let us play with the French migrating words

International French Language Week 2007 :

For some time now we are familiar with migrations of human beings that is a worldwide phenomenon. But the concept of Migrating words sounds weird don't you think? Another question: what is happening to the French words? This deserves some kind of explanation.

Long ago the French language spread in many countries of the world. First in the neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg later during the periods of colonialism in Canada, the West Indies, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean. Therefore French became an international language spoken on the 5 continents.

But beyond this the French culture became so fashionable from the 18th century in Europe than many high-educated people started to learn the French language. As a consequence some French words were gradually introduced in many European languages. On the other hand the French adopted several foreign words mostly European.

In order to underline the vitality and modernity of the French language the French Ministry of Culture organizes each year the International French Language Week and on March 20 is the official International Day of the French Speaking Countries. In Colombo a set of events will underline the growing interest for French.

Beside the Bonjour Cinema French Speaking Festival organized by the Embassy of France, the Alliance francaise de Colombo will offer on March 15 at 6 p.m. an evening in French to discover the Migrating Words. Five invited guests of various backgrounds will pull out 10 words from a box, which have migrated from one language to another and will express in front of the audience their personal feelings about them.

Carefully listening to the five speakers the audience will have the clues to fill their crossword grid and maybe win one of the prices. Up to 20 winners will receive a price. The entrance is free and everybody is welcome.

Let me give you a little trick. The Alliance francaise de Colombo is presently showing in its auditorium an exhibition that will help a lot. For all participants more information contact Alliance francaise de Colombo, 11, Barnes Place, Colombo 7. Tel: (11) 269 41 62.

Charandas today at the Lionel Wendt Theatre

Charandas, the award winning play directed by Parakrama Niriella, will be staged at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, March 11 (today) at 3.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. for the first time after the winning streak at the National Drama Awards Festival 2006 in both Sinhala and Tamil Drama categories.

Charandas is an adaptation of the Indian version Charandas Chor by Habib Tanvir, a veteran drama director and the leader of the Naya Theatre Group of Chhattisgarh. Habib's 'Charandas Chor' has won the highest award at the Edinburgh International Drama Festival in 1983.

The Sri Lankan version of 'Charandas Chor' too bagged nine awards at the National Drama Festival of 2006 including Best Play and Best Direction. Music direction of the drama is by the veteran H. A. Perera while Ravindra Mapitigama contributes as choreographer and Assistant Director.

Dilip Raohana chips in as the Manager and Chaminda Prasad and Palitha Abeylal handle makeup jointly. Jude Srimal the chief organiser of the show.