Cultural Diary

Chamber Music Society in concert

Colombo's classical music-lovers who missed the sold-out performance by the Chamber Music Society of Colombo in Galle last month, need have no more regrets. The program will be performed at the Lionel Wendt, Colombo on February 26, in a concert that forms the second leg of a four-city tour undertaken by the ensemble this season.

Stephen Allen and Mary Anne David Pic. by Lasanda Kurukulasuriya

This will be followed by a historic concert in Jaffna, as it will be the first performance there by a western classical music ensemble, in the context of a united Sri Lanka. It is hoped that the groundbreaking visit will pave the way for other artists from the South for whom the region has long been inaccessible.

The highlight of the concert is a new composition by the Society's resident composer Stephen Allen, which had its World Premiere at the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle, during the Galle Literary Festival. The song cycle for double string quartet and soprano is titled 'Forest Paths,' and is inspired by the changing seasons of the composer's native land, the US. It features Soprano Mary Anne David, whose recent ethereal performance with the CMSC represented her first solo appearance in eight years. Also on the program is Vivaldi's Concerto Grosso in D minor for two solo violins and cello. This item again features a rare solo appearance, this time by the CMSC's Artistic Director and Concert Master Lakshman Joseph de Saram on violin. He is joined by Othman Majid Hassan, principal violinist, and Dushy Perera, principal cellist.

The concert opens with Mozart's Overture to 'Il Re Pastore' K208, followed by 'Acht Stucke' ('Eight Pieces') for augmented string quintet, Op. 44 No. 3, by P. Hindemith. A new item in the line-up for February 26 (that was not part of the Galle concert) will be a work by contemporary Czech composer Karel Husa, titled 'Vier Kleine Stucke' ('Four Little Pieces'. The musical feast comes to a fitting close with Haydn's turbulent Symphony No. 39 in G minor Hob. 1:39 the first work from the 'storm and stress' period in the composer's life.

Stephen Allen received his Master's Degree in Music Composition at the California Institute of the Arts. He has been resident in Sri Lanka for the past six years, and has written songs and orchestral works for the CMSC, some of which have been based on Sri Lankan themes relating to historical figures such as King Kasyapa ('Dawn of Kandula') and Vihara Maha Devi. Allen says his work in Sri Lanka has given him not only the self-fulfilment that every artist seeks, but the opportunity to express, in a creative way, his gratitude to this country.

Mary Anne David, a household word among Sri Lankan music lovers, is described by Joseph de Saram as 'one of the region's finest sopranos.' She trained as a child under Lorraine Abeysekera. Ms. David has in turn coached a great many Sri Lankan singers and musicians now successful in their own right. She is an accomplished choral director and has her own choral group, the 'Merry An Singers.' She is currently the Managing Director of the Mary Anne School of Vocal Music.

The Colombo concert is sponsored by Dilmah Tea. Tickets available at the Lionel Wendt and Titus Stores, Kollupitiya.

Floral exhibition "Wild & Exotic"

"Wild & Exotic" presented by the members of the Shi-en Ikebana & Floral Art Society, is scheduled for March 7 and 8 from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the Cinnamon Lakeside.

The talented members will create an array of about sixty breathtaking floral arrangements using traditional as well as modern techniques. This Floral Art Exhibition will utilise uncommon materials from the fauna and flora kingdoms. Some of the material has been collected over the years, preserved and will be used for the appropriate exhibits.

There will be demonstrations in Ikebana and Western Floral arranging at 4.30 p.m. on both days, for those interested in learning how to bring a bit of nature into the home.

This exhibition not only displays the talents and creativity of the members but also most of the proceeds of this exhibition, will go to purchase equipment and drugs needed by the Thalassaemia patients of the Anuradhapura General Hospital.

Drawing from the memories of past exhibitions, "Wild & Exotic" too will promise to be a feast for the eyes.

Architect 2010 exhibition ends today

The annual architect exhibition commenced on February 17 will end today February 21.

This exhibition is held as part of the annual sessions of the professional body of architects, the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA). The Annual Sessions of SLIA comprises several key components - the inauguration, the national conference, the member's work and trade exhibition, the annual general meeting as well as the fellowship night.

The exhibition, since its inception in 1982, has grown to become the most prominent exhibition of the construction industry in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the exhibition is to maintain a certain momentum in the construction industry, creating an enthusiasm for local stakeholders to be more involved in the field. SLIA serves as a catalyst and creates a platform for the stakeholders of the construction industry to interact. The architects receive the opportunity to showcase their creative skills; the industry personnel receive an opportunity to promote their new products and technologies to the public as well as the construction professionals. As for the general public it serves as a one-stop-shop," remarked SLIA President, Chandana Edirisuriya.

Commencing the venture with a member span of 200 architects, the SLIA and the exhibition is now backed by nearly 1,000 members. Archt. Edirisuriya, has pointed out even during the inception, the exhibition had kicked off with a bang and has been expanding annually. During this year's exhibition they are focusing on integrating the architects' work exhibition furthermore with the trade exhibition. The emphasis will be on the students' exhibition. The trade exhibition will be featuring more than 300 stalls from 200 companies.

Meanwhile, the 19th general assembly of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) will also be hosted by SIA. Although Sri Lanka is one of the founder member countries of CAA, this is the first time in history that Sri Lanka is hosting the general assembly of CAA. Nearly 39 countries will be participating in the General Assembly.

The event will be graced by eminent figures of the global architectural fraternity such as the president of International Union of Architects - Archt. Louis Cox from Australia, president of CAA - Archt. Gorden Holden from New Zealand, president Elect CAA - Archt. Mubassar Husseine from Bangladesh. Also, Archt. Gorden Chong from USA, Archt. Kenneth Yang from Malaysia as well as the Immediate Past President of the Union of International Architects (UIA) - Archt. Gei Tan Sue from Mauritius will grace the event as key note speakers.

Art of Inoka De Silva and Shamila Kumari

The Art of Inoka de Silva and Shamila Kumari, the final of the six exhibitions of the "Theertha Pradarshana Wasanthaya - 2009" under the Freshly Baked Series will be held on February 27 and 28 from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at Theertha Red Dot Gallery, 36 A, Baddegana Road South, Pitakotte. The exhibition will remain open till 4 March.

'Lavanda' CD launched

Thanuja Dharmapala's music CD, 'Lavanda, the Sinhala version of the famous Russian songs has now been released. A few popular musicians among those who contributed to her CD are Victor Ratnayake, Rohana Weerasinghe, Kasun Kalhara, Kaushaliya Fernando, Jagath Wickremasinghe, Kithsiri Jayasekera, Navaratne Gamage and a host of others. This collection of songs which represents Russian originals bears the traits of a painstaking research. The New CD is a KND release.

Narthana Rekha at Ladies' College

Danangi Fernando, an 11 year-old student of Lyceum International School, will present her dance performance at the Ladies College auditorium Colombo today (February 21) at 6.00 p.m. She will also take part in Narthana Rekha along with another student Nadeeka. Narthana Rekha is directed by Miranda Hemalatha and is presented by the Kala Ashramaya. All the proceeds will go towards the Diri Daru Piyasa Fund.

YMCA lecture

The next lecture on the Gospel of St. Mark will be delivered by Very Rev. Father Nilendra Gunasekere, Professor of Sacred Scriptures at the National Seminary Ampitiya, tomorrow February 22 at 6.00 pm in the Colombo YMCA Forum Hall.The lectures are conducted by the Colombo YMCA Bible Study Institute.

It is open to the public.

German Day at Musaeus

The German Language and Training Centre of Musaeus College has organised their inaugural German Day on Monday, February 22 at the College auditorium from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.

The acting Ambassador of Germany, Dr. Stefan Weckbach will be the chief guest.