Going to the opera at 1864 with Gehan
In an increasingly digitised world of instant performances and viral sensations, few artists pursue the timeless path of classical music with such devotion as US-based baritone and actor Gehan Cooray, known not just for his powerful voice but for the thoughtful artistry he brings to every performance. Gehan is back in town for his latest offering – an intimate operatic dinner at the Galle Face Hotel on June 6 and 7 – an evening that blends an up close and personal experience with fine dining and classical music.
Reflecting on the upcoming performance, Gehan shares that while he has performed in similarly elegant venues, including a beachfront hotel in Miami during his time as lead baritone in Carmen, and two pre-pandemic concerts at Jetwing Colombo Seven, this will be his first in such an intimate setting. “When another hotel, especially a historic hotel like the Galle Face Hotel invites me to sing, it is an honour. I don’t think I’ve done such an intimate, up close and personal concert before.”
A classical experience: Gehan Cooray (left) with Galle Face Hotel GM Suresh Abbas. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Gehan’s programme for the evening is an homage to classical traditions, with a repertoire rich in French, Italian, and German works, along with carefully selected Broadway and Sinhala songs. Among the highlights are two French operatic arias, both ironically themed around drinking songs. “It’s funny because I don’t drink,” he laughs. One aria is from an obscure French adaptation of Hamlet that is sardonic and layered, mocking the way people turn to alcohol to escape their problems. The other is his signature Toreador Song from Carmen, bold and full of bravado, but ultimately a love song at heart.
He also includes serene selections like La Serenata by Tosti, a nod to the ocean backdrop of the Galle Face Hotel. In response to his mother’s request, he’s added a German Lied by Schubert; a rare choice for Gehan, who notes the musical challenges it presents but praises Schubert’s melodic brilliance. He will also be performing a few numbers by American composer and songwriter Cole Porter – who once stayed at the Galle Face Hotel – as well as a selection of beloved Sinhala classics.
The programme also includes his signature aria from The Barber of Seville, a piece that holds personal significance, as he first performed it with his teacher, Menaka de Fonseka Sahabandu, who will accompany him on piano. “When I first performed that aria under the guidance of my teacher, Aunty Menaka, she didn’t just have us sing arias—she made us act them out, in costume, with sets. She had me direct the scene while she acted as music director, reinforcing that opera is meant to be enacted, not just sung. That experience taught me the importance of understanding the language and dramatic context – something many overlook,” remarks Gehan.
Menaka is a highly respected vocal coach in Colombo, with more than three decades of experience nurturing local talent. She regularly performs with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka and leads her own vocal ensemble, the Menaka Singers. Gehan appreciates the formative influences of his teacher on his artistic journey and speaks fondly of her holistic approach to teaching classical voice, saying, “Some teachers assign arias to students who aren’t vocally ready, just because they sound impressive. But Aunty Menaka is unique in giving students a solid classical foundation first, both vocally and theatrically.”
Since his last major concert, ‘Classical and Cool’ at the Bishop’s College Auditorium two years ago, he’s made a significant move from Los Angeles to Manhattan, taking a break from a film after working on the Oscar-nominated film The Billionaire and going back to his roots in theatre. Although not actively engaging in any film work, Gehan is still a member of the Screen Actors Guild and was recently on the nominating committee for the SAG awards, a task he calls “daunting”.
The evening is made all the more meaningful by the Galle Face Hotel’s intention to create something lasting and culturally enriching. “I’ve been a big fan of Gehan,” says Suresh Abbas, General Manager of the hotel. “I’ve watched The Billionaire as well, and I think he has a gifted voice. I remember everyone being completely spellbound at one of his previous performances.”
“For us, this evening is about more than just fine dining. It’s about creating an experience, giving our guests not only exceptional hospitality but also unforgettable entertainment. I think there’s a demand for this in Sri Lanka, especially in Colombo.
An Opera Dinner with Gehan Cooray will take place on June 6 and 7 at 7.30 p.m. at the exclusive 1864 restaurant in Galle Face Hotel. Seats are priced at LKR 22,500 (nett) and can be reserved by calling
+94 742 601 641.
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