Classics in Harmony to bridge cultures

The first-ever concert by Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka dedicated entirely to Sinhala singers:

Nanda Malini

Victor Ratnayake

The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) will present 'Classics in Harmony', an evening of music featuring seasoned vocalists Nanda Malini and Victor Ratnayake at Ladies' College, Colombo 7, on September 5 at 7 p.m.

Music lovers will get to listen to some of the artistes' well known songs like Malakin Malakata, Udangu Liyan, Paave Valaa, Ama Dahara and Asha Nirasha in a totally new setting and accompanied by the acoustic music of the orchestra. Nanda Malini said that the experience has rejuvenated her journey in music.

One of the main goals behind the event is to promote and encourage Sri Lankan composers by performing their works. The songs included in 'Classics in Harmony' had been put together by some of the leading creative musicians in the Sri Lankan music arena. Works of Pundit W.D. Amaradeva, Somadasa Elvitigala and Victor Ratnayake. Creative writers like Dalton Alwis, Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe and Professor Sunil Ariyaratne had penned the lyrics.

The songs had been arranged for the orchestra and voice by maestro Ananda Dabare. The orchestra will also perform to very popular pieces from the classical western music tradition: the overtures to the operas 'Ruslan and Ludmilla' and 'Die Fledermaus' by Glinka and Johan Strauss Junior. The concerts bridges two fields of musical traditions in the island, the western classical music and Sinhala art song. It will be a not-to-be-missed opportunity for music enthusiasts. Tickets are available at Titus Stores, Liberty Plaza and at the door.