The western orchestra of Ananda College Colombo, presented DOLCE 2017; an evening of classical and contemporary orchestral and choral music, at the Kularathne Hall of Ananda College, on September 3 from 5.30 pm, under the patronage of distinguished old Anandian, the Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya. The Guests of Honour were Dr. Maya Abeywickrama (former Deputy Director of Western Music) and veteran Violinist Maestro Ananda Dabare.
The Orchestra was formed four years ago, under the vision of the master in charge, Major Nishantha Gunasekera. The Orchestra emerged Runners Up for two consecutive years under the baton of Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi at the All Island Orchestra Competitions organized by the Ministry of Education. Many musicians from the western orchestra of Ananda College also play in the National Youth Orchestra of Sri Lanka. Currently there is an enrolment of 60+ players in the western orchestra of Ananda College.
The Concert featured a wide array of music from different periods with works by notable composers such as Bizet, Beethoven, Mozart, Poulenc, Schumann etc.
At DOLCE 2017, the Principal conductor of the Western Orchestra of Ananda College Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi conducted the dramatic, “Themes from the Pirates of the Caribbean”, the Jazzy Rock Bottom Boogey and the Trio from Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.1. Agraja Wijayawardane conducted the Intermezzo from Bizet’s Carmen Suite No.1. The Junior Orchestra of Ananda College performed “Fanfare and March” by A. Sullivan under the baton of Dinura Liyanage. The guest conductor for the night, old Anandian Dr. Dilan Angunawela conducted the lyrical Finale from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Three times Champion of the All Island Choir Competitions, the Choir from Sri Sumangala Girls’ School, Panadura was part of the combined choir along with the Ananda College Choir who performed at this event.
DOLCE 2017 also featured some amazing solo performances by some of the most accomplished players of the Orchestra who were accompanied on Piano by Dr. Dilan Angunawela. Thaveesha Paranawidana performed the lively 1st movement from Poulenc’s Flute sonata. Ninura Gunasekara performed the 1st movement from Schumann’s Fantasy pieces for Clarinet.
Ranan Hewawasam performed Nocturne by Mendelssohn on the Horn. Jayana Gunasekara performed the dramatic ‘Black Eyes’ on Violin. Uthsara Malaweera Arachchi performed the heart-warming 2nd movement from Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto. Kavindu Gunasekara performed the Elegant ‘Apres Un reve’ by Faure on Cello and Agraja Wijayawardane performed his own arrangement of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri for Alto Saxophone and piano.
The concert was a big success with many positive reviews.