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'Unforgettable':
A memorable musical experience
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This show was a mark of tribute to
their teacher for teaching them for the past 14 years.
The program included a variety of
songs sung by the lads namely; Chanuka Piyarisi, Brother Duo Suchiththa
and Sanchitha Wickremesooriya, Kanishka Herat, father - son duo Hiran
and Ryan de Mel, Ruwanka Leanage, and Shanil Gunasekara
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R. S. Godage
'Unforgettable', a delightful concert was presented by eight talented
youths from the Merry - Ann Singers at the Russian Cultural Centre on
July 26. Director of the show Chanuka Piyarisi says he had the idea of
presenting an all-Guy show for as long as he can remember. At last, with
the help of these seven friends, his dream became a reality as the
'unforgettable' event took wings.
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An ‘Unforgettable’ moment |
Chanuka has been a soloist from the age of 5 years as a boy soprano
in many performances directed by Mary Anne David. He was also a part of
the S.Thomas' College Choir and taken part in many school productions.
By teaming up with Suchiththa Wickremesooriya, his childhood friend who
also studied vocal music under Mary Anne and performed in many musical
productions, he was able to present this show. Suchiththa was the
Assistant Chairman of the Royal College Western Music Society and has
done ABRSM exams upto grade 8 under the supervision and musical guidance
of Mary Anne David.
This show was a mark of tribute to their teacher for teaching them
for the past 14 years. The programme included a variety of songs sung by
the lads namely; Chanuka Piyarisi, Brother Duo Suchiththa and Sanchitha
Wickremesooriya, Kanishka Herat, father - son duo Hiran and Ryan de Mel,
Ruwanka Leanage, and Shanil Gunasekara.
The curtain raiser of the event was 'Lost Chord' sung by the pack.
There were two versions of Ave Maria first, a duet by Suchiththa and
Chanuka composed by Camille Saint-Saens and second by Franz Schubert
sung by Ruwanka. Sanchitha sang 'If you don't wanna love me'. The father
son Duo Hiran and Ryan did justice to 'Scarborough fair'. Hiran also
sang 'Can you feel the love tonight?' taken from the musical 'Lion
King'. Shanil did 'When you say nothing at all' while Kanishka matched
colleague in his 'I'm getting married in the morning' taken from the
musical 'My Fair Lady' by performing and interacting with the audience.
Ryan related a beautiful story in while 'Love me' by Collin Ray.
Chanuka followed up with 'May the good lord bless and keep you' and the
theme song 'Unforgettable'. Suchiththa's 'You'll be in my heart' was a
treat for the audience and for the grand finale backed by the rest of
the guys he sang 'I'll make a man out of you' taken from the musical 'Mulan'.
Many more entertaining songs were done by the group, including duets and
trios.
All of the songs were familiar but their rendition of them was
exceptional. The audience was treated to a show far beyond their
expectations and went back feeling exhilarated that these young lads had
put on such a scintillating performance. The guest performances by
Ayushka, Mihara, Shamistha, and Melissa were enthralling and added
colour to the program. All in all it was a splendid performance by the
youngsters and special mention must be made of the accompanists-
Eshantha Pieris on Piano, Christo Prins on Drums, Nethaji and Melissa
Wickremesooriya on Guitar and Shamistha de Silva on Cello, all who
contributed greatly to the success of the show.
In addition to singing, the choreography, stage setting, stage
management and lighting were all part of the team work. It was indeed an
unforgettable experience. |
