The renaissance of classical music for school children
Saturday, 19 July 2014 00:12
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A project by the Chamber Music Society of Colombo and Fairway Holdings
The profound joy and infinite pleasure of appreciating good, high-quality, classical music is now taken to a wider audience of Sri Lankan school children through a laudable collaboration between Chamber Music Society of Colombo and Fairway Holdings.
This will be made possible through a series of workshops and performances by members of the Chamber Music Society of Colombo in selected schools, initially, in Colombo.
The Ensemble of the Chamber Music Society of Colombo which was launched in January 2008is the region’s newest platform for exciting and extravagant new interpretations of the classics. It has a vast repertoire of great music of the past 500 years: from Arne to Zander, from Albinoni to Zemlinsky.
With productions in Western classical music as well as the ancient musical traditions of Sri Lanka, the Society has established itself as one of the best run and critically acclaimed arts organisations in the region.The focal point of the Society is the 25-plus person Ensemble that has engaged serious music lovers to sell-out audiences in Colombo, Galle and Jaffna. The ensemble has many members with international concert hall experience.
“We’re both deeply honoured and very excited to be part of this dynamic and far-thinking venture. Performing live in schools is an opportunity for the students to get to know, in a visceral manner, the wonderful world of high-quality, classical music. This is made possible by the generosity of our premium sponsor Fairway Holdings,” said the Concertmaster/President of the Chamber Music Society of Colombo, Lakshman Joseph de Saram.
“Introducing teenagers to the fascinating world of classical music has always been an idea close to my heart. I have no doubt that this project will be a success, not only among Colombo schools but also among out-station schools where there certainly is a very keen interest in classical music,” added de Saram.
Chairman of Fairway Holdings Hemaka de Alwis commented: “We are very passionate about instilling the love for classical music amongst a broader audience of young Sri Lankans. Teaming up with Lakshman Joseph de Saram and his celebrated ensemble is probably the best move in this direction. With this endeavour we hope a whole new generation of young Sri Lankans will get the opportunity to experience and appreciate true classical music.”
The initial roll out of this program will offer six schools in Colombo the rare opportunity to savour and experience the music of the Masters. The workshop/concert program will consist of a customised master class in orchestra or chamber playing for the school orchestra and music society including the students invited from other schools, and will end with a live performance for a general audience.
Ladies’ College Colombo has already accepted the first invitation and their customised workshop and performance are scheduled for 25 July. Interested schools are requested to contact Anusha via email [email protected] or call 011 2508008.
