Music, the universal language that can break barriers

by Umangi De Mel

The Trans Asia lobby sounds quite appealing with a mesmeric performance of music. Foreigners as well as the locals are all ears as the piano, violin and the viola are being played in a way that could attract even the busiest beast in the vicinity.

To these musicians, music's like the elixir of life, "we don't segregate but keep what's appealing to us, irrespective of the genre, close to the heart. Music, in short is like a dear friend in need who won't take us for granted. Beethoven said one's music should be felt by another heart and that's what we want to achieve..."

Nuwan Withanage, Dilpahan Prasanna and Rasika Hewage have been students of Ananda Dabare since 1997.

"We played in his Chamber Orchestra called 'Krasna' in 1999 which turned out to be a great break to practise what we learnt. We applied the techniques we learnt and it was a brilliant experience," the trio reveal.

While Dilpahan is still with Ananda Dabare, the other two have moved on having completed their lessons.

Nuwan together with Rasika played in the symphony orchestra in 1999 as guest performers, "we are still doing our spot as guest performers in it and played viola.

Dilpahan joined in 2002."

Nuwan who is a music director claims to have directed music for childrens' teledrama 'Danga Malla' and 'Anne' which is yet to be telecast.

"I've even directed music for a few short films, stage plays like 'Sellam Gedara' in 2002 and I received the award for Best Music Director at the All Island Drama Competition in 1995. Though I play viola for the Symphony Orchestra, my passion is piano music which I initially learnt under Mangalika Fonseka in 1995 and switched to Bridget Halpe in 1997."

Having started with oriental music, Nuwan took a degree in Hindustani music after which he switched to western music. I've completed a diploma in Piano music as well."

A past student of St. Sylvester's College as well as Kingswood College in Kandy, Nuwan owes his knowledge to all his music teachers and says that he especially gained a lot through Bridget Halpe's choirs and from her concerts where he took part as a soloist. At the moment I work as a lecturer on western music at the University of Jayawardanepura."

Dilpahan who learnt oriental music initially under H. D. Amaradasa, his father, later on learnt western music under Ananda Dabare. A student of Mahinda College, Galle, Dilpahan is a vocalist who's done quite a few tracks out of which 'Ranvaniye' has even gone on the internet. "It has good response. I've played for films and teledramas and taken part in concerts. I've also completed the diploma in viola," he says.

Rasika whose first love seems to be his viola, learnt his first notes of music under Rohana Weerasinghe, Laxman Wijesekara and Ananda Weerasiri at Kalabhoomi, "Then I went to Asoka Jayawardane and Ananda Dabare under whom I'm still learning. I've worked with almost all the oriental musicians in Sri Lanka starting from Premasiri Khemadasa."

Currently teaching music at 'Kalabhoomi', Rasika is a visiting lecturer at the University of Aesthetic Studies.

The trio claims to play at many places like Trans Asia, Waters Edge and other star class hotels.

"We were auditioned by the hotel management before they chose us. They prefer soft music which is definitely our kind to the heavy, piercing music. Even the British High Commissioner was very pleased once. Glad we're well appreciated by both local and international crowds."

Their objective being attracting people to enjoy an evening of soothing music, the guys seem to work harder towards enhancing the quality of their music. "Sri Lanka is brimming with talent.

It has artistes of all genres like Rap, hip, hop, Rock but what's missing is a bit of music that could soothe a troubled mind and take away the blues... Our kind of music's very rare in Sri Lanka but we are trying to take it to the crowds again making use of our knowledge. And so far the response has been quite satisfactory."

Talking about music in general, they say that music serves many purposes, "unfortunately in Sri Lanka it mainly serves just one purpose which is dance.

Irrespective of the meaning or the tune of a track, our people have got used to moving their bodies to any music. Nevertheless, we want to make a difference and break the concept.

Our purpose is to provide music to relax. This type of music could actually improve one's life style." They claim to be satisfied as musicians for ten long years, 'though it's mainly a profession to us we cherish it.' It's a passion which we live every minute of our day. For us, it's the ultimate happiness especially during a performance."

The small gathering at the hotel lobby is solid proof to what they're talking. "Being appreciated and recognised is a big morale boost." Music is said to be the finest art, they say. "People like Beethoven and Mozart expressed their feelings through their music.

It's the universal language that can break barriers and build bridges between the many differences of people all around the world.Personally my music's helped me a lot through difficult times. It's always come to my rescue and I know that I'm gifted," says Nuwan.