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| Monday, 19 January 2004 |
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An Evening of Music by the Tenderfoots A presentation by Shirani Weerakkody and her pupils at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7 held recently. The preference for live music as against electronically transmitted or preserved music appears to be universal. Ever since the invention of the telegraphone (which records sounds magnetically on steel wires or ribbons) in 1898, and despite the advancements in technology, electronically recorded and transmitted music have remained a breed apart as against live performances. It is perhaps this factor, that continues to draw lovers of music to live concerts and Shriani Weerakkody's presentation was no exception. The concert this year was significant. The festive part of the evenings' programme, covering X'mas time (a presentation of nine separate items by 25 artistes) was shelved, a magnanimous gesture indeed, on the part Shirani and the organisers in honour of a well-known Buddhist prelate who had passed away in Russia. I myself was deeply moved by Shirani's gesture and so was the large audience. Children who were in readiness to make their presentation were a bit lost. Despite this major adjustment to the programme, the interest prevailed, as the tenderfoots who had prepared for their public performance (an essential part in the appraisal of talent) displayed their confidence and skill and won their respective awards. Shirani is moulded in the classicist traditions. She believes in the perpetual succession of the masters. Her pupils many of them below their teens, played well-known compositions of Faust, Bach, Schubert, Chopin, Debussy - the string of composers is a long one - with grace and charm. Children have no prejudices or pre-conceived notions and the way they move their tender digits over the keyboard, is an innocent expression of what to them - is best. The prodigies were there too. The day is not far off, when we have our own match for a Menuhin or a Yanni. Judging by the large number of gold medal winners, who paraded on stage at the finale, this prediction will definitely come to pass in the not too distant future. What makes this a singular achievement on the part of Shirani, is that she accomplished this single handed, without any form of outside patronage. It is my fervent hope that the patrons of the world of music will recognize her tenacity of purpose to sustain the flame of western music in Sri Lanka. - Calyanatissa A. Gunawardhana Formerly Editor News, SLBC. India's Bharatha Natyam and Kuchipudi exponent to grace Colombo stage One of India's most inspired and dedicated Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant, hailing from Andra Pradesh will grace the Colombo stage on January 30, at the Bishop's College Auditorium at 7.00 p.m.
The event is being organised by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust and the Law and Society Trust in connection with the 60th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam. Acclaimed not only for the exquisite perfection of her dance, Ananda is also hailed as a creative artist, who brings to everyone of her items a depth, intensity and naturalness. A Graduate of the world renowned Kalakshetra, Ananda has performed in various cities in India and abroad. Trained in Kuchipudi by Sri Ramalinga Sastry, Ananda is a 'top' grade artiste of Dooradashan and an 'established' artiste of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. Recipient of numerous awards, she was conferred with the most talented artiste of Andra Pradesh and recently the prestigious Tamil Nadu State award of Kalaimamani. During a five week exchange programme of the Rotary International USA, Ananda was the sole representative for Indian Dance and Culture wherein she proved her prowess as an artist and a theoretician by giving many lecture demonstrations as well as programmes. She performs regularly in all the major Sabhas in Chennai such as Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Kartik Fine Arts, Narada Gana Sabha during the annual December season. Ananda has directed and presented four path breaking dance ballets "Sri Krishnam Vande Jagadugurm," "Buddham Saranam Gachchami" and "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" which have staged widely in India and abroad. Ananda has a posting in South Central Railways as Deputy General Manager and is also the Honoary Director of Shankarananda Kalakshetra a premier institution for dance and music in Hyderabad. Media Barbecue 2004 Among other art forms like cinema, drama, music, painting, modern art is trying to wiggle its way through and make a mark. A student of fine art, Sudath Abeysekara seeks to help this small nation produce and contribute to modern art of international stature.
In 'Media Barbecue' Sudath attempts to analyse and decode the current flux in media through contemporary art. In its previous avatar (or manifestation,) Media Barbecue drew some mixed reactions. "Is it art?" some people asked. The event (held as a group event, within a smaller space) also spawned some good, constructive criticism. That's when Sudath decided to go for an elaborate display... to express the idea on a larger canvas, so to say. In his own words, "The first Media Barbecue was done on a small scale. It got diverse reactions from the audience, some of which were really encouraging. This spurred in me a desire to do things on my own." This Media Barbecue, at the Lionel Wendt centre, is 100 per cent Sudath Abeysekara's. Through contemporary installations and paintings, it makes people aware of modern art and more importantly does a reality check on the media scene today. It shows how the media has influenced the collective consciousness of every individual, and of the society at large. Sudath uses usual day-to-day items in the most unusual manner to recreate reality as seen, heard and felt by his very own senses. Original, introspective, provocative and revealing are some of the reactions he's completely prepared for. And, as a critic-turned-sponsor, Mr. Edward Schwarz, Head of Corporate Communications, Holcim, will be sharing Sudath's belief, pride and talent with the entire world. The exhibition which is now on from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. will end on Jan. 21. |
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Produced by Lake House |
According to him, people have a misconception that contemporary art is
an accidental occurrence."I believe art should have a purpose, an
objective created through knowledge and experience and finally it should
help people who view it, the audience, realise how they should face the
world in this day and age."
