Compiled by Ruwini Jayawardana
 

'Original Youth Channel' celebrates second b'day:

Ruwini Jayawardana

Two years have passed since the management of the Maharaja group sat down together and conceptualised a plan that would change the course of their lives and many others. Their discussions and planning resulted in the birth of Sri Lanka's first radio station directed at the youth community-Y FM.

Incepted in December 1, 2005, Y FM functions towards the goal of fulfilling their theme "The Original youth Channel". A whole segment of programmes and events are in store to celebrate this festive occasion. With preparations going under way Art & Soul met up with the channel's Manager, Thanuja Jayawardena to get a glimpse of life behind the studios.

How was the concept of starting a radio channel for the youths initiated?

The authorities of the Maharaja group recognised the lack of a youth radio station and decided to launch one. I was chosen as its manager. We did a lot of research and built a profile of the youth. The programmes are compiled to cater to their needs. We monitor them constantly and update our programmes daily to keep up with the modern trends.

What types of programmes does Y FM offer?

We provide entertainment programmes where you can listen to the latest tracks. There is also a stage for talent and projects in connection with schools, clubs, societies, eco-friendly and welfare events organised by the youth base. We hold competitions and hand out prizes that are suited to their tastes.

Team spirit is enhanced and this helps the youths to form their personality for the job environment. We have the Y FM Y Club that plans a lot of events including events for the New Year and Christmas.

Are there any new programmes which you hope to introduce with the second year's anniversary?

In the word called ART, there are several sections such as music, drama, song etc. We hope to organise an art camp so that our listeners with aesthetic interest can take part and gain new experiences.

We are in the process of putting together a competition for school children. They will be given time to be on air for a certain period. The goal behind this is to choose which school is the best at presenting an entertainment programme.

A number of out door promotions are also in store. Events like health camps will be targeted at the poor, disabled and needy group.

Last year, we introduced a programme to motivate those who have completed one or two music tracks but are unable to complete an album due to financial difficulties. They have achieved recognition and we hope to proceed with the good deed.

Lately one of the accusations that radio DJs face is that they do not know how to use their language in an ethical manner. What can you tell me about this matter regarding Y FM?

Our DJs possess knowledge in connection with their subjects and they are advised to use English words only when the need arises. Therefore the language they use is not a mixture of a lot of English and Sinhala terms. If there is a need to do an English programme, we get an English speaker and a translator.

Y FM possesses programmes for the English listeners. What about the Tamil population?

For now we have several programmes which caters for Tamil listeners as well but there are no specific programmes targeted at the Tamil youths as such-yet. Hopefully that will change in the coming years.

Looking back, are you satisfied with your progress?

Yes but we have the thirst to do more. When we began we had only two frequencies, in Colombo and Kandy. Now we have added two more for the North Central and Southern province. We cover a large area and have a mass proportion of listeners.

When we began the channel, there was a doubt of whether the sponsors will obligate towards the youth market but we found the answer along with our research. Today's youths play a major role in decision-making and they have interest new technology and equipments. Thus, along with our listeners, the sponsorship had also increased.

Lastly, How do you, as the manager, see the future of Y FM?

Y FM's aim is to create fresh, innovative content for the youth. Youth is an ever-changing aspect. New ideas are born and they are a very active and fun loving crowd. We hope to link our listeners with other countries despite language or regional barriers.

#############################

Art in Silver and Gold

Landscapes, wildlife, portraits and religious themes make up around 30 paintings that are now being shown at the Thambapani Gallery, Colombo 3. The artist, Sathsara Ilangasinghe, had used oil paint and acrylic for his creations.

A mixture of colours with prominence given to gold and silver along with decorative patterns, will adorn the walls of the Gallery till December 30. According to the artist, though the paintings are based on various topics, the main aim of the collection is to gift the audience with a creation full of beauty.

Though artists of modern times live in a war effected environment the challenge is to put these images aside and present a creation with a new vision.

################################

Les Cam‚l‚ons brings Christmas celebrations

Once more the Alliance fran‡aise de Colombo will offer a wonderful evening of music in partnership with the Embassy of France and the Taj Samudra Hotel featuring a jazz band from France, Les Cam‚l‚ons. A concert will be in store for music lovers at the Taj Samudra Hotel on December 13 at 7.30 p.m.

Coming all the way from Lyon (France), Les Cam‚l‚ons is composed of four new Orleans jazz style lovers: Samuel Petit (piano), Christian Genin (tuba), Jean-Baptiste Perez (saxophone) and Max cotineau (drums). After 10 years and more than 800 concerts, they are now so appreciated that they have sold more than 80,000 CDs without making much publicity

Les Cam‚l‚ons has a unique style combining a jazzy music style from New Orleans with French jazz influence and even a little Creole touch. In their shows they always deliver the energy of jazz, faithful to their spirit prevailing in United States in the years 1930's to 1950's.

But they have also adapted some of the most famous pieces of the French variety repertoire to give them a jazz touch; they even came out with a CD called "Brassens en Jazz" to offer a new version of Georges Brassens songs whose songs had become standards of the French variety music.

###############################

Symphony Orchestra joins festive atmosphere

The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka will celebrate the season with its popular Christmas Concerts early in December. The Symphony Christmas Concert will be held at Ladies' College Hall on Friday December7 at 7.30 pm and The Family Christmas Concert will be held at the same venue on Sunday December 9 at 7pm, both conducted by Manilal Weerakoon.

Top of the bill at The Family Concert are Christmas Songs for the audience to sing along with the Orchestra and combined Choirs - The Menaka Singers, Past Choristers of St. Benedict's College and Friends, forty-five young voices in all. They include 'White Christmas', 'Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer' and 'O Come All Ye Faithful'.

The Family Christmas Concert will also feature Johann Strauss's famous Waltzes 'Tales from the Vienna Woods' contrasted with Waldteufel's exotic 'Espana' Waltz.

There will be a Medley on Richard Rogers'ever-green 'Sound of Music' followed by 'In the Mood' and 'Rock around the Clock'. Christmas music will include Leroy Anderson's 'A Christmas Medley' and his catchy 'Bugler's Holiday'. 'Winter Wonderland' and 'Let it Snow' are programmed and a concluding piece will be Mel Torme's ever-popular 'The Christmas Song'.

SOSL will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Edward Elgar in 2007, performing two of his most popular works at the Symphony Christmas Concert - the heart-rending Cello Concerto, in which the soloist will be Dushy Perera, and the stirring 'Pomp and Circumstance' March No.2. The concert will begin with Rossini's sparkling Overture to 'The Thieving Magpie'.

And it will conclude with Christmas music, including Pola & Wyle's 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' and the delightful carols 'What Child is This' and 'In Dulci Jubilo'.

The Symphony Christmas Concert is sponsored by Link Natural Products and the Family Christmas Concert by Standard Chartered Bank, both in aid of Sunera Foundation.