Entertainment

Young flautist in the spotlight

by Mahes PERERA

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Taking centre stage on September 26 is the twenty-year-old gifted flautist Tilanka Jayamanne who along with pianist Surekha Amerasinghe will perform a concert of classical, jazz and pop music. The concert will be held at the Russian Cultural Centre commencing 7.00 p.m.

According to Tilanka, the concert will be in two parts. The first half will be classical works by Mozart, Hindemith, Chaminade, Rachmaninov and Godard.

The power, emotion and passion that flows through a flute will be on show as Tilanka joined by Surekha explore the technically challenging and intricacy of the classical pieces from different periods of time.

The second part will showcase the versatility of both performers as they play contemporary music which audiences enjoy.

Tilanka tells us that the music will be unique in expression for with their originality and talent their arrangements are bound to please and surprise the audience.

Tilanka will also perform an original called 'Dragon Fly' arranged for flute, piano, violin, bass guitar and drums. Here he will be joined by the acknowledge pianist Eshantha Pieris with Dominic Johnpillai - violin, Upula, Madushanka - bass and Aruna Siriwardhana - drums.

From the young age of 11 Tilanka commenced his lessons in flute from Sita Joseph de Saram and thereafter he continued lessons with Surekha Amerasinghe. When he turned 15 Tilanka obtained his first Diploma (ATCL), held his debut recital and soon after won an award at the Concerto Competition in the wind category, organised by the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka. In 2005 he was successful in gaining distinctions in both the LTCL and Dip ABRSN examinations for Flute Music Performance.

Presently he is studying for a degree in Law at the University of Warwick, London but continues with his music courtesy of a music scholarship granted to him by the University's Music Centre to further his musical skills. He is the leader of the Flute Choir at the Music Centre.

Apart from being gifted in playing the flute, Tilanka's versatility extends to play the piano, the recorder and he enjoys singing and composing music pieces.

Surekha Amerasinghe teaches flute, piano and voice and is the choral director of Ladies' College, Royal College and the Colombo International School choirs.

She has created many choral and orchestral arrangements which have been performed by the Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra and other ensembles.

Surekha is also a keen singer and was a member of the chorus in the production of the operas Pearl Fishers in Colombo and Carmen in New Delhi. The proceeds are donated to YWCA.

An evening of Creative Music

Back home after having completed a Masters in music composition in New York, pianist Esantha Peiris will be staging an evening of Creative Music on September 24, 7 pm - 9 pm at the Roof Top of the Punchi Theatre. This has been a goal of Eshantha and he intends to have a Creative Music Series.

He will be joined in this venture by drummer Sumudi Suraweera who is presently in Sri Lanka from New Zealand where he is working on his Doctorate in Ethnomusicology and is hoping to return in Sri Lanka by the middle of next year.

This idea of a creative music evening has been welcomed by the founder of the Punchi Theatre, Namel Weeramuni. On September 24 apart from the duo performance of improvised music by Eshantha and Sumudi, there will be a North Indian classical set by Gayanatha Dahanayake and Raveendra Weerawardana.

MP

Bustin 'Broadway'

'Broadway' comes to the Lionel Wendt on September 26, 27 and 28 when the Junior Merry An Singers present 'Bustin Broadway' from 7.15 p.m. onwards.

The show is directed and choreographed by the critically acclaimed Andre' David.

The cast consists of children between the ages of 5 and 15. 'Bustin Broadway' consists of songs from the great musicals woven review style.

The programme include songs from A Chorus Line, There's No Business Like Show Business, Annie Get Your Gun, High Society, Follies, Viva Mexico, Rent and many more that have never been performed in Sri Lanka.

The children are eagerly awaiting to captivate their audiences.