Future Musicians

by Indira Jayawardena

It is said that the future of any country lies in its youth. If this is so, it was a very positive sign for those of us who were lucky enough to get a ticket and enjoy the brilliant performance of our National Youth Orchestra, recently at the BMICH.

The experience was totally different, when I heard such a large number of musicians on many different kinds of instruments, all eyes and ears with the conductor playing in unison and harmony. The atmosphere was energetic with the rich and magnificent sound of a full orchestra with rarely seen instruments such as the gong, tubular bells and the bongo adding flavour to it.

The selection of music was varied. The concert started with Variations on a Pagannini Theme under the baton of Manilal Weerakoon, followed by Mozart's Jupiter Symphony and Pin Siduwanne conducted by Dayananda Fernando.

The young conductors Dilan Angunawela and Neomal Weerakoon who grew up with the orchestra brought promise and freshness to their interpretation of the medley from the Sound of Music, Suppe's Light Cavalry Overture and Chinna Chinna Asai.

The Renunciation composed by Sarath Fernando was dedicated to Mrs. Maya Abeywickrama the founder coordinator of the NYO. The audience was then entertained to The Barber of Seville Overture, conducted by Prof. Ajit Abeysekera, 1812 Overture & finally In the Mood and Rock Around the Clock which made everyone dance in their seats. Yes these young musicians from different ages and backgrounds produced amazing music that thrilled the audience.

At a time when outsourcing is the order of the day, recognising in house young talent in a past member to compere was excellent.

The comments that poured in after the performance were - a superb evening - abundance of talent, an evening to remember - excellent selection of music, - hope they continue the good work?

An event of this magnitude would not have been possible without state funding. The Ministry of Education has invested quite rightly in our youth and started the National Youth Orchestra in 1992.

The Japanese Government has generously contributed musical instruments to establish the NYO , which paved the way for outstation children from less privileged schools to learn to play and appreciate western classical music across the country.