Return to his roots
Ashan Pillai
When violist Ashan Pillai steps onto the stage of the Lionel Wendt Theatre on February 27, it will be more than a recital. It will be a return; one that is personal, artistic and deeply rooted.
Titled ‘Timeless Dialogues’, the evening brings together Ashan and his long-time collaborator, Spanish pianist Juan Carlos Cornelles. The duo, who have performed together for 17 years across Europe and beyond, are making only their second visit to Sri Lanka as a partnership, in aid of the Sunshine Charity in Trincomalee, that Ashan has long supported.
Described as half German and half Spanish, the programme for the evening moves between the structural elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Schubert and Max Bruch, and the colour and lyricism of Manuel de Falla, Federico Mompou and Joaquín Turina.
“It is a mix of various programmes I happen to be playing in these months,” says Ashan. “The Schubert, Mompou and de Falla are my own adaptations, something I frequently do to expand the concert repertoire for viola.”
Those adaptations have become central to his artistic voice, allowing the viola to claim repertoire beyond its traditional boundaries. With Juan Carlos, Ashan has explored Spanish music extensively, editing and recording world premieres. “Our understanding goes from strength to strength,” he reflects. “We always try to return to the same repertoire with a fresh approach.”
Ashan’s journey has been both global and personal. Born in Colombo and based in London, he is one of the foremost violists of his generation, acclaimed for his chamber music, solo performances and commitment to broadening the instrument’s repertoire. “It is very special to me to come back and perform,” he says, recalling childhood visits and enduring family ties. “It is a wonderful opportunity to give younger artists hope and inspiration,” he says. “It is also important to play repertoire which hardly gets an outing here.”
Juan Carlos, a distinguished pianist with a rich international career, brings finesse and insight to every collaboration. A graduate of leading conservatoires in Spain and the UK, his repertoire spans solo recital work, chamber music and collaborations with contemporary composers, earning him a reputation for clarity, warmth and musical depth.
Juan Carlos Cornelles
The Colombo recital is dedicated to the memory of Rohan de Saram, a towering yet understated figure in the world of contemporary music. Ashan describes him as “a quiet giant revered by composers and performers alike; a role model for every Sri Lankan artist.” The dedication lends the evening a layer of reflection, a gesture of gratitude from one generation to another.
The recital will also travel to Jaffna’s newly opened Cultural Centre on March 1, potentially marking the first Western classical performance at the venue. “Playing in Jaffna is a very significant moment in my life – a real return to the roots,” says Ashan. “I hope the event will generate interest, as music is a language which surpasses all boundaries, and it needs to be nurtured more.”
The visit is not confined to the stage. Masterclasses for strings and piano will be conducted in both Colombo and Jaffna, supported by an Erasmus grant from the European Community. “It is very important that young Sri Lankan talents have access to a certain level of pedagogy and insight,” notes Ashan.
As Ashan and Juan Carlos bring their shared artistry to Colombo and Jaffna, they offer more than repertoire; they offer a conversation between cultures, generations and homecomings.
Timeless Dialogues will take place on February 27 at 7.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, followed by a second recital on March 1 at 4 p.m. at the Jaffna Cultural Centre.
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