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| Monday, 23 February 2004 |
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Review: Warm tones and textures of professional coordination of string, wood wind, and brass, deep sounds of fully exploited expression, thank heavens, lifted the mood, of this otherwise tired musician who was not too keen to end a gruelling Friday December 5, 2003 at this concert. But the Linos Ensemble was worth every effort to get there at the Bishop's College Auditorium, and I left thinking wow! Structurally perfect in the Classical era with the Mozart and of course romantically very much inclined to the famous Schubert Trout, here the pianist took centre stage with absolute perfection and total mastery, her subtlety of phrasing was evocative in every tone and gesture way. But what I went back home with was the two moderns in my mind.
Undoubtedly the high point of the evening was the Dixtour by Jean Francaix, commissioned by the Linos Ensemble. The piece was never too serious, but not too merry; what became evident was the varied influences of the composer. The piece seemed to roll a musician's likes and dislikes, his or her entire gamut of experiences from the earliest to the newest and so, the range from Mozart to Stravinsky and it showed in what seemed to be with elegant delight. A big thank you to the Goethe Institute who continue to send us world class musicians, Ensemble Resonanz, with his ensemble of 18th century instruments, the Dresden choir to name a few of the many in the past who came to Sri Lanka and finally this in their 50th year of diplomatic relations - the Linos Ensemble who play music "Questioning tradition, fighting the routine, seeking the unusual." - Haasinee Halpe Andree The saga of three kings ('Rajathun Nadagam Kattuwa') The saga of three kings ("Rajathun Kattuwa") which originated from Chilaw in the 17th century will be staged at the Sudasuna Hall, Chilaw at 2.30 and 6.30 p.m. on February 28 under the patronage of Most Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando, Bishop of Chilaw.
In the annals of history, it is recorded that Mihindukulasuriya Gabriel Fernando of Pitipana, Chilaw had written this extraordinary epic of deep religious significance in 1746 and Mihindukulasuriya B. Juan Pinto of Pitipana, Chilaw had later revised it in 1882. The Chilaw folks are quite familiar with the narrations and songs of this story culled from the Holy Bible and staged by well-known actors and musicians such as Albert Mama, Renauld Master, Pinthu Mama and many others of yesteryear. This Nadagama was revived and staged again in 1961 by late Pantaleon Kurukularachchi, a teacher of St. Mary's College, Chilaw. Afterwards under the direction of late Chilaw Urban Council Chairman M.A.P. Douglas Fernando, the Nadagam was again staged in 1981. The "Rajathun Kattuwa" Nadagam is surely a big box office draw for those who value and appreciate familiar ancient religious narrations, drama and songs of 1746 vintage. (Text and pic. by Christie Fernando, Chilaw special correspondent) Ballroom Dancers Federation International Inauguration and sundown bash
Through the three categories of activities namely events, education and representation, BDFI promises to promote strict tempo dancing to greater heights on an islandwide basis. A young and energetic committee comprising of dancers and dance enthusiasts is organising an exciting sundown bash, which will follow the official inauguration for all Strict Tempo and Salsa maniacs. |
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Produced by Lake House |
They began with a piece that at first seemed to hit you somewhere at
the back of your head. One could imagine the thoughts crossing the minds
of a used-to-Bach-Mozart-conservative "Oh no, it's a modern".
This was the variations on a Landler by Schubert by Detlev Muller-Siemens.
To this listener "the hit at the back of your head was
acknowledged" but then the beauty of the piece pushed forward with a
full exploitation of string harmonics holding deliberate 2nds and 4ths and
7ths to resolve, the effect mirrored in the wind and brass as well, and as
the composer intended, the ensemble was made to play as individuals in a
happy marriage of warm tone.
The Ballroom dancers Federation International will be officially
inaugurated on February 29, 2004 at Sasakawa Hall at 6.30 p.m. This
organisation is an Associate of BDFI UK which is affiliated to the World
Dance and World Dance Sports Council.
