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| Sunday, 22 September 2002 |
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Chandani Hettiarachchi with C&C Musical Blend will stage her first live concert at the BMICH on Saturday September 28, and launch her new album recorded with her talented keyboardist husband Chaminda Hemarathna. The concert is going to be something special. The duo C&C have expanded their group to a quartet for the performance to include guitarist Sudath Mannaperuma, percussionist Jagath Somasundara, augmented by vocal harmony provided by Janath Kulatilleke, Dilrukshi Galappaththi and Dharshi de Mel. Adding more flavour to the concert will be the special guest appearance by Sunil Perera the effervescent leader of Gypsies, the balladeer Sohan Weerasinghe of X'periments fame and the dynamic Mariazelle. Threading the concert together will be the compere Faizal Bongso. Chandani literally burst into the scene in her teens two decades ago when she joined 'Seac' one of the popular bands at that time catering to Western and Sinhala audiences. She became an instant hit much in demand for radio shows, concerts and dances. Her unusual, yet melodic lilting voice was the envy of others, yet her friendliness and charm overcame any obstacle in her way. Her vocal range adaptability was a plus point for her, which subsequently made her decide to join the popular and only female keyboardist at that time Debbie Arnolda who was managed by her father Earle. Chandani's years with Debbie were valuable, she tells us, because singing with Debbie meant that she had to widen her Western repertoire and that foundation of Western standards and perennials has stood her in great stead. Besides, singing with Debbie, Chandani also joined the 'Sandpipers' to perform at dances that were held almost every weekend, and it was during this period of her life as a successful singer pursuing a solo career that she met her Prince Charming, Chaminda Hemarathna a keyboardist with a fluency that threw her over board. She teamed up with Chaminda in 1995 and formed the C&C Duo which resulted in a further extension in her popularity. Together Chandani and Chaminda were bright lights at many 5 star hotel lobbies in Colombo as well in the Negombo and the Southern circuits. She was much sought after for stage shows.
Fluent in her wide repertoire which includes Western contemporary pop, Sinhala and Hindi songs, Chandini is facile in singing songs in Spanish, Italian and Japanese. C&C's first CD 'Vilaasithaa' turned out to be a seller. Lyrics for the songs were written by Ajantha Ranasinghe, Vernon Perera, Hemasiri Halpita and Victor de Silva. The music was arranged by Rohana Weerasinghe, Rookantha Gunatilleke, Sarath de Alwis, Chaminda Hemarathna and Victor de Silva. The new CD specially recorded for the concert on September 28 will be available for C&C fans. The CD contains some popular songs, new lyrics recorded by Chandani with C&C Musical Blend. Chandani & Chaminda who have earned accolades for their presentations of Western and Sinhala songs, are now looking forward to their tour to the Middle East which is just around the corner. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Two
decades ago her teenage dreams spurred her to step on the stairway to
stardom. She spent hours in her bedroom or under the shower singing the
songs she heard played over the radio enacting imaginary concert scenes
and curtain calls. Today she is a star in our musical galaxy enjoying the
adulation of her fans.
Chaminda Hemarathna a product of Richmond College, Galle, turned to
music after his graduation in 1997 and joined a band called 'Tenor' in his
hometown Galle. He stayed with 'Tenor' for two years, before moving over
as a keyboardist to join 'Super Pink and Purple'. When the dynamic
vocalist Ayesha Gunasekera formed her band Dream Team in 1991, she invited
Chaminda to join her band and he readily agreed, because at that time
Ayesha was being recognised for originality in the presentation of her
band and he respected that factor. Inspired by her originality, Chaminda
worked on it with C&C which gave the duo added thrust.
