The Soul of Christ musical miscellany with SLBC Orchestra

By Sureshini Pilapitiya

'The Soul of Christ', a musical symphony presented by the SLBC orchestra, a tribute to Pope Francis, who will be in Sri Lanka on January 13, 2015 was held last week at the Ananda Samarakoon studio of the SLBC.

It was held under the patronage of Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith,SLBC chairman Hudson Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation chairman Wimal Rupasinghe, Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thera, Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe, dignitaries of other religions and popular artistes and musicians.

The orchestra was conducted by Vajira Indika Karunasena who handled the musical extravaganza with dexterity.

The audience, had a wonderful experience of listening to some enchanting music based not only on the life story of Jesus Christ, but all mankind.

It started from Moses being freed from slavery , the Nativity of Christ and his Resurrection.

The symphony showed the inherent talent of Karunasena, a Buddhist himself, who created a masterpiece depicting the religion. It was based on the brainchild of Hudson Samarasinghe, to mark the Pope's impending visit.

It was under his guidance that Karunasena was able to make it a success.

It was a day of musical splendour which gave the audience a novel experience and something new to enjoy.

The SLBC orchestra which has received state recognition for its captivating tunes and playing style, again showed that they can compete with any other reputed orchestra. They have launched a CD as well to mark the occasion.

The symphony was also a musical example to show that the world should be filled with love, peace and unity. The musical itself conveyed the message of love and harmony. Though the symphony was conducted only for a short time, the whole occasion was memorable and enjoyable. Jude Ivan and Senani Wickramasinghe compered the program.

A song was also composed as a dedication to the Pope's visit. Angeline Gunathilake, a popular artiste was scheduled to perform on stage but due to unavoidable circumstances was not able to make it.

However, her lilting voice was added in the singing before hand.

It was a melodious moment with the SLBC orchestra conducted by Karunasena, and Shelton Wijesekara, Sidath Somasundara, Sudath Dilruksha were the orchestra members who added glamour to the occasion.

Karunasena thanked Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera, Cyril Enderamulla and SLBC chairman, Hudson Samarasinghe. It was a splendid moment, with the SLBC orchestra creating a historic tale in music.

The Archbishop delivered an impromptu speech. He thanked the chairman and the officials of the SLBC and the Orchestra crew for creating such a lovely symphony.

He said that the Pope's visit is an honour to Sri Lanka. He said that we needed a world full of kindness, respect and love. He said that the leaders of all major religions gave only one message - to spread love and kindness.

Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera said that the chairman had invited all the dignitaries of all religions to spread the message that there should be harmony among all religions.

He praised Karunasena for his efforts in creating a symphony for the whole world to enjoy. The creators and contributors of this project was appreciated by the Archbishop and Samarasinghe.

The Soul of Christ songs and CD collection was presented to the Archbishop by the SLBC chairman and Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha thera. The program concluded with a traditional song of tribute to Mother Mary by the SLBC staff followed by a press conference.

The music director and conductor Vajira Indika Karunasena thanked Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera, Cyril Enderamulla, and the chairman and those who had helped him in making the program a success.

Vajira Indika Karunasena, a student of Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa, told the Sunday Obsrever, that it was under Dr. Khemadasa's influence that he had reached this position in creating music.

He said that he owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Khemadasa.

He had also participated in many of Dr. Khemadasa's Symphonies. Karunasena has also done symphonies representing the Sinhala Tamil New Year, The life story of Buddha, Arahath Mahinda' s visit to Sri Lanka and how it changed the Sri Lankan history and culture, Life (Jeevithaya) how life goes on from birth to death. "Soul of Christ" is the fifth symphony which he had created.

In creating 'The Soul of Christ', he said, that he had to do a deep study . He hopes to create an Opera, adding all the symphonies he had created so far along with 'The Soul of Christ' and bring it on stage.

His main purpose of creating this symphony was to show people the power of Jesus Christ. The idea of launching a CD of this musical was convened by the chairman himself. The CDs are available at the SLBC.