Dushy Perera, principal cellist of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, once again leads and directs the Cantando Cello Ensemble on July 3 at the Lionel Wendt theatre, in a concert featuring music that will captivate music lovers.

The concert will feature the Brazilian composer H Villa Lobos' exhilarating work, 'Bachianas Basileiras No. 1", which combines the features of indigenous Brazilian music with the counterpoint of Bach.

The audience will also have the opportunity to hear Bach's "Brandenburg concerto No.6', which was originally scored for a violinless string orchestra. Replacing the viola and bass parts by the upper and lower registers of the cello provides for a fascinating change of tone colour, and a new acoustic experience of this great work. On the lighter side, all-time favourites such as the tango 'Jealousy', and 'Maria' and 'I feel pretty' from 'West Side Story' will be performed at the concert.

Of special significance will be the performance of David Popper's moving 'Requiem', as a tribute to the revered cello teacher Avril Bartholomeuz who passed away recently.

All twelve cellists of the Cantando are members of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka. The talented young pianist Johann Peiris will add variety and colour to the evening, performing as a solo guest artiste.

Tickets for the concert are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, and parking will be available at the Women's International adjacent to the Theatre. This is the fourth annual concert of the Cantando Cello Ensemble and the audience can look forward to the same high level of artistry and musical excitement experienced at its previous performances.