Guitar Fest 2011
R S Godage
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Different guitars evoke different melodies
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The first guitar festival in Sri Lanka was organized by ‘The Guitar
Association of Sri Lanka’ at the Russian centre on Jan 8. This concert
could bring together more than 20 guitarists playing different styles,
each having a unique style.
From the start of show, the packed audience were cheering and
clapping for the richness of each performance. The musical piece
performed by the undergraduates of the University of Performing and
Visual Arts using three and eight guitars, playing different simple
melodies was a new experience to the audience. Then on stage was Prasad
Silva to play the Hawaiian guitar. He played Blue Hawaii, and a
Hindustani melody. For many this was the first time seeing a Hawaiian
guitarist performing. Prasad was assisted by Saman Priyankara.
Capt Jude Pieris played the famous Spanish musical pieces, Alhambra
and Asturias on classical guitar. The audience was amazed to see the
guitar producing such wonderful music. For many this was the first time
seeing a classical guitarist perform. The popular guitarist Anthony
Surendra joined Jude Pieris to bring the audience to applaud some
magical guitar effects. Anthony on electric guitar and Jude on acoustic
guitar produced a wonderful arrangement of guitar music. The audience
was spellbound.
Next on stage were Buddika Rodrigo and Sandakelum Perera. Both of
them used flamenco technique which was melodious and unknown to the
local audience. They played their own but short music pieces. The crowd
kept on cheering till they left the stage.
Amaranath Ranatunga played the guitar to demonstrate how different
flamenco techniques could be played.
The last performance was by Stigmata guitarists Andrew Obesekara and
Tennyson Napolean. Mohomed Iqbal of Victor Jara Music Band, Kandy who
was the initiator of this concert was the only person to sing at the
Guitar Fest 2011. His song was a tribute to Monarawila Keppetipola. The
crowds were thrilled with the song and to the way it was presented.
Cuban Ambassador Nirsia Castro Guevara and Colombo Municipal Council
Special Commissioner Omar Kamil were the Chief Guests at the concert.
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