Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation celebrates World Alzheimer’s Day in song

Friday, 13 September 2013 03:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

St. Andrews Scotts Kirk comes alive with an enjoyable evening of beautiful music on 21 September performed by ASTERIA – an all Female Voice Choir. ASTERIA was founded in 2010 when a group of passionate singers, all cherishing Methodist College, Colombo, Sri Lanka as their alma mater, decided to form a choir under the direction of Mahen Peiris. The female amateur choir comprises singers of all ages united in their love for singing; yet another unique feature.

Named after the Titan Goddess of Falling Stars, ASTERIA continues to sing and experiment with new genres of music and thereby has a wide repertoire that encompasses choral, spiritual, jazz, pop, and acappella music. ASTERIA is directed and trained by Mahen Peiris, a past student of St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka and a holder of the Performer’s Certificate in Singing by the Trinity College of Music, London. The second half of the program gets going with The Menaka Singers essentially a group of students pursuing vocal training under the tutelage of Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu. Menaka, a Fellow of the Trinity College London and a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music in both Piano and Singing, has been a frequent soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka since her debut in 1989 playing Saint Saens’ 2nd Piano Concerto in G minor. She is also a member of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka. Menaka, a teacher of Piano and Voice with a teaching career of almost 30 years is the Founder/Director of ‘Menaka Singers’ and the ‘Menaka Singers Opera Ensemble’. Menaka is presently a visiting lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts of Sri Lanka Her singers have had the privilege and opportunity to perform over several years with the Symphony Orchestra at their gala Christmas Concerts. Last year the choir presented highlights from the operas Barber of Seville by Rossini and Carmen by Bizet. Their repertoire at this year’s concert will include the ever popular – Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber, I’ll Walk with God by Nicholas Brodszky, Ricevete, O Padroncina from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, Ave Verum by Mozart, You’ll never Walk Alone from Carousel, All I ask of You and the Trio from the Christmas Oratorio by Sain Saens.......among others. The concert will end with a solo performance by a client with Dementia who uses the services of the Activity Centre provided at the Foundation. This evening’s proceeds graciously raised by their performances at this concert are in aid of the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation where entrance is by program at Rs. 500 a program. Call the Foundation on 2667080 to reserve your tickets.