Tribute to the maestro
Ruwanthi ABEYAKOON
‘Gandharvaabhinandana 2012’ , a classical musical event featuring
Amarasiri Peiris, one of the most prominent maestros in local classical
music will unfold for the second time on July 20, 6pm onwards at
Nawaragahala, Royal College. The show is organized for the second time
by Direct Intake of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry students of
University of Colombo in hands with ChemSoc and Department of Chemistry
(University of Colombo).
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Amarasiri
Peiris |
“The first show was staged in March 2010 with Sunil Edirisinghe one
of the most popular singers of Sri Lankan classical music. This is an
annual event of the university. Our objective is to appreciate someone
who has done a valuable service to our culture. Even though there are
musical awards there is no platform that appreciate great
personalities,” said Vajira Weerasekara, lecturer, Molecular Biology.
“This is not a musical show which merely entertains people. We will
be inviting the lyricist, music director and have a discussion on the
song and its theme. Professsor Sarath Wijesooriya will be the compeer of
the evening. This will help the audience to appreciate the song. We want
to inculcate this value in our university students,” he added.
While appreciating Amarasiri Peiris who has made a vast contribution
to the field of music, the event will be a fundraiser to upgrade the
Biotechnology Laboratory of Department of Chemistry, University of
Colombo to meet the modern state-of-art facilities for Life Science
research.w
“More than 100 research students including both undergraduates and
graduates would benefit each year through this project. We believe that
it is our responsibility to stabilize the institute. Thus we create
molecular biology products such as Recombinant proteins, Enzymes, DNA
extraction kit, RNA extraction kits which we sell to hospitals and other
universities,” Weerasekara said.
Commenting on why science students are involved in organizing a
musical event, Weerasekara says a scientist is a person who can
appreciate arts and literature. “You can not separate arts and science.
Even science students should learn to appreciate literary works,” he
added.
Meanwhile, the veteran singer feels fortunate to participate at this
event. “Most of my life I have been a violinist although I had the
talent for singing. When the opportunity came my way to sing I grasped
it eagerly as I love singing. There onwards I have made a lot of
contributions to this field. I was a playback singer for many films and
teledramas and have won several awards. However I feel my work is not
adequately appreciated. Media does not talk of my works in an
appreciative manner. Amidst such a situation I feel privileged to be
invited to sing at a mega musical event of this nature. It is a great
opportunity and am looking forward for it. I will present few songs from
my latest album Ganga Gala Yaden to the audience,” he said.
Chief Organiser of the event, Gayan Parakrama thanked Dr. N. V.
Chandrasekharan, Professor K. R. R. Mahanama and all the students for
their tremendous support rendered to him in organising the event.
“Nalaka Anjana Kumara and the crew will provide music for the
evening. This is bound to be a unique experience for the audience,” he
said.
Daily News is the official media partner of the event. Tickets can be
obtained at Sarasavi Bookshop (Nugegoda and Dehiwala), Sadeepa Bookshop
Borella, Godage Book Emporium Maradana and Salaka Senkada.
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