 The
Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka under the baton of international
conductor Gregory Rose performed the formidable work of
Verdi’s Requiem at the Cathedral on Bauddhaloka Mawatha
on a sultry Saturday evening. A capacity audience from
all walks of life sweated it out, but sat through the
performance captivated. This work was sung and played
in Sri Lanka after a lapse of 38 years, certainly making
it a once in a lifetime experience. Verdi composed this
work which is the only major work not written for the
stage, and the inspiration came from traumatized loss
of a friend Allesandro Manzoni, an influential Italian
poet.
Reason to be proud of the fact that three of the four
soloists were Sri Lankans who have made it on the international
circuit, Kishani Jayasinghe, Gayathrie Pieris and Dhilan
Gnadurai. The tenor Amar Machala who too was excellent
is of Indian birth now embarking on an international
opera career.
Fashion
of course was eclipsed by the magnificence of the performance,
but both the primadonnas wore gowns in typical operatic
style, Kishani in a pale gold and Gayathrie in white
with dazzling jewellery. Present to support them was
the teacher of many a star Marianne David in a black
dress.
The Earl de Fonseka Trust should be bestowed with many
a blessing for bringing this magnificent event for the
classical music buffs, and the many players and choir
leaders for joining in to provide a performance which
was nothing short of memorable.
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