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Enchanted evening at Lionel Wendt :
The Glory of Gold 2009
One enchanted evening.... It was
a magical evening when a packed audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to
and watching the new generation of singers and entertainers nurtured and
moulded by Mary Anne David and Andre David in their latest concert “The
Glory of Gold”.
The concert featured the outstanding winners of the Sri Lanka
Festival of Music, Drama and Speech affiliated to the British and
International Federation of Music, Drama and Speech. With her vast
experience of handling her school for over 28 years, Mary Anne David,
the well-known singer, teacher and director of several musical
productions throughout the years, kept the audience in rapt attention,
although the program was fairly long. Her students gave of their best in
rendering classical, comedy, Broadway, Gospel and jazz songs in style.
Apart from a couple of items, all the songs were accompanied in fine
rhythm by Mary Anne herself with a supporting group of drums and other
instruments depending on each item.
The choreography was done by Andre David. Congratulations for a job
well done, which certainly enhanced the musical show. The program
consisted of songs by students from the age of five to a few adults.
Nearly all the singers were able to dramatise well and produce a good
vocal tone in a relaxed manner. The variety of songs selected gave
expression to a well-knit ensemble of sound, movement and colour
producing a delightful program that was much appreciated by the
audience.
Among the outstanding renderings were “I dreamed a dream” sung by
Kavita Amaratunga. “As long as he needs me” was sung with fine tonal
quality by Onella Piyatillake; the action packed songs “Minnie’s yoo hoo”
by Meth Hettihewa, “I enjoy being a girl” by Aitana Gunaratne and the
comic song “I’m my own grandpa” sung by Sayuru Kariawasam were all well
articulated. Several choruses were sung with great aplomb and action.
The memorable “There’s no business like show business” complete with top
hat and cane by Charya Kannangara, was presented with great confidence
and ushered in the evening’s performance.
All in all it was a most enjoyable show. We wish Mary Anne and Andre
David and their talented students, the Merry An Signers, every success
in the future and hope they continue to keep Colombo audiences happy,
relaxed and entertained.
- Neela Silva
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