TV Times
 

Chandana: Success step by step
By Ramesh Kandasamy
Reputed dance instructor and choreographer Chandana Wickramasinghe will hold his dance concert- "Nirthya Pooja 2002" at the S. De S. Jayasinghe Hall, Dehiwela on December 6 at 6.30 pm.

Dancers of Chandana's troupe

Chandana who has been in the dance scene for nearly two decades, has moulded hundreds of students ranging from 4 to 40 years who are set to liven up the December 6 show. His former gurus, Piyasara and Kanthi Shilpadipathi would grace the occasion as the Chief Guests. Chandana said part of the proceeds would go towards helping a two and a half year to regain eyesight.

Having been the first Sri Lankan dancer to start a website, Chandana's calendar never goes unmarked and his troupe is heavily booked throughout the year.

The product of Mahanama College, Colombo he was a bright Science student and his parents' wish was to make him a doctor some day. But his ardent desire to become a traditional dancer was burning inside him. Eventually, Chandana decided to take up dancing seriously shattering his parents hopes and wishes.

His natural talents and prowess were first identified by none other than veteran dance duo Chitrasena and Vajira who absorbed him as a student and blessed him as he proved to be brilliant student. Later he studied under eminent dance master Kulasiri Budawatte who awarded him with 'VES' - the highest achievement in Sri Lankan traditional dancing. He also served in the Sama ballet for many years.

Thereafter, having further accomplishing various other aspects of dancing including choreography, Chandana joined the great gurus Ravi Bandu Vidyapathi, Mudiyanse Dissanayake, Piyasara and Kanthi Shilpadipathi. Chandana also performed before several overseas audiences and also choreographed many dance festivals. At Shanthinikethan- the prestigious dance academy in India- he followed a higher degree and on his return he was appointed as Consultant to the Ruhunu Ballet Troupe of the Southern development Authority.

Having served a stint there, he formed his own dance company - Chandana and the Dancer's guild - providing a great service to his field. Chandana has blended a variety of styles to make one spectacular statement of Sri Lankan Art. He says his ultimate dream is to some day stage the 'Picasso' ballet portraying the life and times of that famous artist.

Our cover this week features six of his top dancers, who will be in action on December 6.


'Tribe'music for Lankan audiences
'Tribe' is the latest outfit to storm into the music scene.

Thilak and Sureshni with Chrisantha

This three piece band comprises of Thilak Samarasekera and Sureshni Wanigasuriya, both ex-members of X'periments and Chrisantha Fernando.

'Tribe' currently performs at the lobby of Lanka Oberoi and Crescat and at Taj Exotica in Bentota.

Songstress Sureshni is more keen on singing her orginals along with other commericial songs.

'Vasanthakale', 'Karadiya Walalla', 'Mage Hadawatha' (cover version of sha la la la la), 'Nawe, Soya' (Cover version of 'Hasthamangana' of (Abba) are four of their new originals.

"The lyrics and melodies of these songs are by Lucky Deva of Golden Chimes. I always try to sing at least a couple of our originals, while performing at these venues and I've noticed, it has gone down with the audiences well," Sureshni said.

The track of these four songs were done by Lakmal Fernando.


Anil with Goldem Chimes at 'Bethlehempure'
Singer Anil Bhareti will stage his second concert 'Bethlehempure' on December 7 at 6.30 pm at Buddhist Hall, Moratuwa.

Anil emerged as a popular singer from Moratuwa with the 'Golden Chimes' thirty years ago. He staged his first concert at the BMICH last year. That event was a sell-out with many of his fans in Moratuwa unable to witness the show. Organisers of the concert therefore decided to stage the second concert in Moratuwa in unique style.

The second concert comes in an exclusive outfit bringing back the nostalgic memories of the period Anil took to singing. The show is designed to bring the blend of the music introduced by their legend Clarence Wijewardene. This time Anil will be musically backed by the very group that brought him to fame. The Golden Chimes with Lankika will back their colleague Anil while the popular Annesley Malawana and Indrani Perera will be in the guest spot. With Anil, Annesley, Indrani and Lankika backed by the Golden Chimes led by Chanaka Perera who was deputy to Clarence at that time will be an event memorable annals of the music history in Moratuwa.

As Anil Bhareti comes out for thisChristmas with this concert themed "Bethlehempure", the ever popular Christmas song, Annelsey, Indrani and Lankika will join to bring to those evergreen hits composed by Clarence.

This year's concert has several changes made for improvement. The Golden Chimes with Lankika was brought in to give the real concept of Clarence Wijewardene's music composed for Anil and others.

The fans in Moratuwa will be entertained to a feast of Clarence's music with this move.

The organisers of the show, aware of the fact that "Moratuwa means music" has created a new spot called the "Moratuwa Spot" to bring the music man from Moratuwa.

Priya Peiris who emerged from the "La Bambas" the first box guitar group in Moratuwa, will sing "Nuwara Manikela" to "Cock-a-doodle doo".

The beautiful girls from the troupe "Solar Hits" will certainly get the eyes focused when they move into action as Anil starts the day to many beats. Number one compere Vijaya Corea will bring you the golden memories of Anil and the other artistes adding colour to that evening.


Jazzy Zardas action in Colombo
A dynamic jazz quartet 'Zardas' from New Zealand arrived in Sri Lanka last week for a series of performances.

Zardas comprise of Fiona Pears (violin), Misha Marks (guitar), Simon Lusby (bass) and Sri Lankan born Sumuditha Suraweera (drums) will spend the next six weeks performing in various popular venues in and around Colombo.

Zardas will come alive at Clancy's, popular pub from 9.00 pm onwards on December 1,4,8,11,15,18,23 and 29.

They will perform at Trans Asia Hotel from December 16 to 25.

Their style is a unique fusion of many influences including Latin and Spanish gypsy jazz, and encapsulates the varied musical backgrounds of the band members.

With a vibrant and energetic stage presence, 'Zardas' is definitely will go down well with Sri Lankan Jazz lovers.

They perform both originals and inventive, takes on old favourites too.

They plan to do some versions of popular Sinhala classics and Sinhala Christmas songs for the festive season.


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