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| Sunday, 7 August 2005 |
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From my heart by Mahes Perera
Julliard is a Mecca to all aspiring young musicians. And to be the first Sri Lankan to be accepted to the Julliard School of Music for Vocal Performance is undoubtedly a distinction. Quite naturally Tharanga Goonetilleke (soprano) is jubilant that she has in her own way put Sri Lanka on the map in the classical world of music. Back home on a holiday before she moves into Julliard, Tharanga will give a recital at the Lionel Wendt on Wednesday August 17 at 7.30 p.m. The concert entitled From My Heart, has always been a guiding factor in all her performances so far. Tharanga has chosen to sing arias by Puccini from his operas La Boheme and La Rondine. Besides, she tells us that she will be including a set of leider by Brahms, a selection of songs by the American composer Hoiby and some French songs by Duparc. At the concert she will be joined by her sister Eranga who will also be singing a few solos, as well as duets with Tharanga. The two sisters will be accompanied by Soundarie David on piano. A first encounter with the young singer Tharanga and you are struck by her remarkable confidence and charisma she has gained, during her stay in the States. She was discovered in Sri Lanka by the piano professor Douglas Weeks. She commenced her training under Christine Perera at the age of 12 years, was a choir leader at Ladies College and as the years rolled by sat for all the recognised examinations in music and gathered many prizes along the way. She had her debut with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, performed in a number of concerts as a soloist before she gained entrance to the Petrie School of Music of Converse College and came under the tutelage of Dr. Beverly Hay, Daniel Professor of Voice and Diction and chair of Voice Area. Dr. Hay we are told has taught many fine singers including Kallen Esperian a winner of the Pavarotti competition. Techniques in voice training quite naturally are different in an advanced country, was she able to cope? "It was not that difficult to adapt, there are more resources in the States, but here in Sri Lanka I had the right exposure which helped me to cope." Opera wise your favourite composer? "I like Puccini's work and I cannot definitely say "this is my favourite aria." In my training I learnt to love the passion that comes from operas. I enjoy playing Mimi from La Boheme." She received a distinction in Opera at her graduation singing Mimi and was first recipient in a history of 113 years at Converse College. "I believe when giving a performance, what ever field you choose, to go for it from your heart. Hence the title of my recital." What about practices? "You learn to practice in your mind, and not strain your voice. The voice is just one section. You work through the words and get the emotion right." With many credits behind her, mention must be made that while at Converse College, Tharanga was selected to take Master classes from Indra Thomas, Babara Honn, Silvia McNair and John Wustman. According to her teacher Dr. Beverly Hay out of all the singers who attended the Master class of John Wustman (accompanist for Pavarotti, Elizabeth Schwarzkoph, Birgit Nilson, Regine Crespin etc.) Tharanga had impressed him most. After her two years at Julliard, Tharanga intends to perform at many concerts she can fit into her schedule. In the meantime don't miss out on her "From My Heart" recital on Wednesday August 17 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. ########## Calypso concert
In a different tempo will be the catchy All Calypso 2005 concert staged by Chandimal and the 2nd Connection on Thursday August 18, 7 p.m. at the BMICH. The media sponsor is ANCL. This is the tenth time that Chandimal is staging the calypso concert and for added attraction the show will feature Errol Fernando, Susil Fernando, the inimitable Sunil Perera, Dalreen, Paul, Annesley, Indrani, Sohan, La Bambas, La Ceylonians and Shayami Fonseka. "There will be about twenty five old calypso songs. Three of my new songs will be performed by Sunil, Dalreen and Mahesh. I shall be launching three of my new CDs and DVDs on this day and as a point of interest there is a surprise for all my fans. I'm including the world's longest song! Since my theme is calypso, the musicians and singers will be sporting batik and straw hats," expresses Chandimal describing his show. Dance acts by Dance World and El Latino and Channa are on the cards and the whole show will be compered by Clifford Richards. The Calypso beat is certainly irresistible and there are many surprises in store for you, so make sure you are at the BMICH to experience 'It's All Calypso 2005.' - MP |
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