Visakhians in entertainment

The Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls’ Association is to organize a variety show titled “Visakhians in Concert 2010” at the Jeremias Dias Hall, Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, on January 30 from 6.30 p.m.

This concert is organized to raise funds for much needed refurbishment of the senior school library. The OGA is proud to announce that all artistes on this occasion are past Visakhians who have volunteered to show case their talents in aid of the OGA.

The program includes dance items both oriental and western, music both instrumental and vocal and drama, all guaranteed to cater to discerning connoisseurs of performing arts.

The show would commence with the traditional Pooja dance by twin sisters Aloka Kumbukage and Anuradha Vithanage and include dance items such as the traditional Manipuri by Jayawanthi Panibharatha and her students, Folk by Priyadashini Bandara and students, Bharatha by Sandya Bamunuwita, Kandyan with a modern flavour by Visha de Silva, her daughter Shakila Vindya and supporting artistes, whilst UpuIi Wijewardena & her troupe would provide her signature oriental items and Shonaka Ranatunga the western and contemporary touch.

Music both instrumental and vocal is the best on offer. Well known Cellist Savitri Jayatileka would present her students in an all cello orchestra and the orchestra will perform a medley of popular melodies with Savitri as the accompanist at the piano. Popular songstress Menaka Sahabandu would thrill the audience with her voice as so would Nightingales of Sinhala songs Visharadha Champa Kalhari and Sachini Pieris of Sirasa Super Star fame. Meena Kumari better known for her acting would be belting out some of the songs from her CD, which would be made public very soon. Geethika Chandrasiri, Nilupul Silva and Samadhi Tennakoon, a trio performance on Piano, Violin and Congo drums would be an unusual treat, whilst yet another Visakhian Helani Pieris would show her drumming prowess on the Davula and Dole.

A skit from the popular stage drama directed by the late Dayananda Gunewardene “Gajaman Puwatha” with Rathmalie Gunasekera a past Visakhian in the role of Gajaman Nona would thrill the drama buffs.

The Visakha choir trained by Sanjeev Jayaratnam, which won many accolades at the recent Festival of Choirs would round off the evening with a medley of popular songs. Tickets are available at the school gate.