'Rhythm Nation'

"Percussion has and still remains a focal point of both traditional and modern music in Sri Lanka. Surpassing a conventional sense of being merely an element of sound, percussion has developed into a performance art form while also staying true to its roots". Rhythm Nation, a concert featuring the 'voices of percussion' will come alive on September 8 at the Lionel Wendt at 7.00 p.m. The program will focus on fusing both the classical and contemporary aspects of a variety of percussion instruments.

The 'Rhythm Creators' at the concert are Ravibandu Vidyapathi on traditional drums, Aruna Siriwardhana on occoustic drums, Upala Madushanka on table, and Rakitha Wickramaratne on Latin and African percussion. Ravibandu Vidyapathi Drum Easemble has performed on many a foreign stage including the Kennedy Centre and the President's House India.

Upula Madushanka obtained his Vadya Visharad and Vadya Nipun degrees from the Bhathkande College of Music, India. He studied further under Ustad Afaq Hussain Khan and Ustad Illmas Khan in Lucknow. He performed in Singapore for 8 years and made an impact at the Pune Jazz Festival.

Rakitha Wickramaratne studied traditional drums under Kalasuri Dr. Shilpadhipathi, before he moved on to play world percussion instruments. Now the leader of the percussion group Naadro, percussionist Rakitha is endorsed by L.P. International, Gibrulter Percussion Hardware and has travelled and performed in USA, Singapore, India, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia.