VICTOR in a class of his own
by Mahes Perera
A humble ‘not-for-the-elite’
Lumbini Hall, Colombo saw the birth of a star who today is incomparable.
This happened in the year 1973 on July 1 when Victor Ratnayake a rare
vocalist launched his ‘Sa’ concert which turned out to be a major
success for him.
The hall was packed with the presence of an unexpected turnout of
music lovers, some who stood throughout the whole concert to appreciate
the songs of Victor Ratnayake - songs that were a new beginning in the
Sinhala music scene in Sri Lanka. The audience on that day was
mesmerised with his singing style from the moment he sang the opening
song-the Sarasvathi Sthrothra.
Today the ‘Sa’ concerts have a Victor Ratnayake stamp on them.
 Recently he even performed in Jaffna and was warmly welcomed and
appreciated. According to Victor, Radio was the chief medium for his
popularity.
His orchestra was mainly composed of creative handpicked musicians
belonging to then the Radio Ceylon and later to the SLBC orchestras.
Simultaneously at SLBC were a new crop of young music writers and
composers who suited his style of singing. In fact at that time Victor
felt that there was a void between popular song lovers and classical
song lovers, and he was determined to bridge the gap with his music.
He was a familiar figure in the corridors at SLBC interacting with
presenters and producers of the three language services and with us he
was constantly singing verses from his songs which were duly applauded
with enthusiasm.
Now fans of Victor Ratnayake have the opportunity of enjoying his
many ‘SA’ songs which have been released on a DVD by MCD Lanka for MCD
Switzerland. The DVD is a live concert containing 26 songs including Api
Okkoma Rajawaru, Sihina Hathak, Sihilsulang Relle, Thani Thruwe, Andura
Binndinnata, Podi Kumarihamiye, Bindumathi, Pembara Madhu, Nangiye
Malliye, Kurullanta Gee Gayenna, Thotupola Aiyne. The music writers and
composers include those with whom he associated at SLBC - Premakirthi de
Alwis, K. D. K. Dhammawardena, Karunaratne Abesekera, P. L. A. Somapala
and Bandara Wijetunge. MCD Lanka wish to inform fans that they will get
special free delivery of the DVD anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Now enjoying himself as a famous singer who is 68 in age Victor
Ratnayake with his refreshing natural voice and no artificial gimmicks
is truly a genuine ambassador of Sri Lankan music. It’s been a fruitful
journey for him from his Heywood days - when as a lean, tall young man
with no desire for fashion but with an overwhelming desire to create
music as his gift for generations to come.
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