Sunday Times 2
Damayantha Kuruppu – 50 years of music and memories
View(s):“Damayantha Kuruppu Golden Anniversary- 50 years of Music and Memories” will come alive on Saturday, May 17, at 7 pm at the BMICH. This is a show with a difference put together by DK Promotions to relive the memories of the very first concert presented by Damayantha Kuruppu in 1975 at Navarangahala. That show was also the first solo concert by Milton Mallawarachchi backed by Super Golden Chimes with Clarence Wijewardena and Annesley Malawana.
This laid the foundation for Damayantha to continue his journey – he has presented approximately 130 shows since then, among them many fundraisers for schools and other organisations and several shows for a number of well-known artistes, showbiz personalities including Mignonne, Dalreen, Desmond De Silva, Ronnie and Corrine, Mariazelle, Annesley Malawana, Malcom Andre, Vijaya Corea and Harrold Seneviratne to mark their landmark celebrations. The reunion concerts of legendary bands such as the Jetliners, Spitfires and Amazing Grace after nearly 35 years, he recalls among his most treasured shows.
Damayantha has also brought down several international artists to perform in Sri Lanka including Sir Cliff Richard, Daniel O’Donnell, Lobo, Platters and Tony Christie.
His objective has always been to give the music loving public in Sri Lanka an opportunity to enjoy quality entertainment. “Music and showbiz have been my hobby and passion. Positive feedback and apprciation was what gave me much joy and motivation in presenting shows,” he added.
The show on May 17 at the BMICH will feature Ranil Mallawarachchi and Annesley Malawana as the main performers. Other artists who will be performing are Mignonne, Fernando, Dalreen, Keerthi Pasqual, Mariazelle and Bathiya and Santush. There will be a special tribute to legendary singer Priya Suriyasena who passed away recently, by his son Lakshitha, also to Sunil Perera and Ronnie Leitch.
Music for the concert will be provided by Lasantha Kariyawasam and Vision, supported by popular musicians. Clifford Richard will be the compere.