The Piano Four Hands - a bravura show

The Piano Four hands concert presented by The Alliance Française de Colombo at Barnes Place, was an extremely beautiful demonstration of musical fusion. It was an unmatched symphony of Japanese, Sri Lankan and French music picked from varying eras of history that truly succeeded in delighting the extremely diverse large audience-children and adults both foreign and local.

The trio of artists, Chiho Akaishi (Japan), Ryoo Kuratou (Japan) and Eshantha Peiris (Sri Lanka) brought to life a truly exquisite repertoire of classical and contemporary music, from the French born Camille Saint- Saëns's wildlife inspired 'Carnavale des Animaux' to the festive revelry of Debussy's 'Petite Suite: Piano Four Hands Suite' and the modern tidings of Rohan De Livera's 'Nokia Variations'.

The Concert commenced with a heartfelt thank you to the audience from the producer cum performer of the concert, Chiho Akaishi, a petite, demure lady who has dedicated considerable time to bridging the gaps between Sri Lankan and Japanese cultures. Following this, Sri Lanka's very own Eshantha Peiris was featured. His fingers expertly grazed over the notes for the Nokia Variations, Lankan composer Rohan De Livera's ode to the once dominant smartphone giant whose welcome tune has truly become a staple of modern culture. It was a magnificent execution with the unorthodox (yet most welcome) addition of audience participation in the form of tapping.

Rioo Kuratou, a Japanese baritone, performed a more subtle yet rich medley from the repertoire of renowned romantic composer Franz Schubert accompanied by Chiho Akaishi on the piano. A rare treat, his superbly expressive rich voice reverberated in the auditorium, and was a delight to listen to.

Leading into the break, Chiho Akaishi and Eshantha Peiris performed the first instance of a Piano Duet (or a Piano Four Hands) with Camille Saint- Saëns's "Carnaval des Animaux" (Carnival of the Animals).

A fast paced and wildly whimsical, fun and exciting piece comprised fourteen movements inspired by the motion of various creatures

These two performers got it down to pat, their nimble fingers cavorting across the piano together while immersing the audience in the emotion of the piece; all the way from the majestic lion inspired march at the beginning to the carnival-esque revelry of the rousing finale.

The end of the Interval marked the performance of the suite from which the concert got its name, Debussy's 'Petite Suite for Piano Four Hands'.

Akaishi and Peiris had no problem barreling through the nuanced festivities of the piece. Their expert performance truly succeeded in drawing the audience into the archaic, classical yet playful exuberance.

A more toned down, oriental mood settled into the final half hour of the performance.

Featuring three more solos by each of the respective performers, including Rioo Kuratou who opted for a more playful performance this time with some Japanese based pieces from composers such as Rentaro Taki and Kunihiko Hashimoto. He also had the singing chops and panache to pull off an unscheduled performance of a hauntingly beautiful rendition of a more classical Japanese ode to music, highlighting the running theme of Unity through Music.

Garlanding, mandatory photographs and congratulations later, the audience departed the Alliance Française de Colombo with joyous memories of a show well staged to a parting encore by all three of the performers plus two Japanese acquaintances. This reviewer concurs, it was a truly bravura show. The Alliance Francaise de Colombo should be congratulated for organizing this superb concert living up to its motto of promoting cross cultural ties, and the fine arts.

Ryoo Kuratou, Chiho and Eshantha

Alliance committee and staff with the artists.

Audience enjoying the concert