“Gee Anandani” Sri Lankan Classical Music Concert in London

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The classical musical concert “Gee Anandani” which was organised by the Association of Old Anandians in the UK on Sunday 22nd of November at Logan Hall in London was not only a spectacular success but also a memorable show that will remain in the audience’s hearts for some time. The venue, the Logan Hall in London (part of University of London ) is an impressive auditorium with around a thousand tiered seats with outstanding acoustics and excellent sight lines. It was filled over to its brim with Sinhala music lovers alike on the day of the event. This was not only an opportunity to see and appreciate some greatly esteemed Sinhala classical artists but also to pay tribute to those who gave their lives protecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. The atmosphere in the hall was electric and euphoric. The grand applause received for the artists was deafening and certainly something to write home about.

The show, which began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the Court of St James, His Excellency Justice Mr Nihal Jayasinghe, followed by the current president of the Association of Old Anandians in the UK Mr. Janaka Ranchagoda and, representing the artists, musical maestro Rohana Weerasinghe was a proud moment for all Anandians. There was also one minute silence paid to all those fallen soldiers. In his welcome speech, Janaka explained the importance of the great cause behind the event and the achievements as an old boys school association of Sri Lanka in the UK, that Annanda OBA gained during the last 28 years of it’s existance. And furthermore he extended his thanks to those who helped make the event a great success.

“Gee Anandani”, which was compeered by Chandana Vithana, an Old Anandian, and Sumudu Godagama, a regular compeer of Aanada events, opened with one of Nanda Malini’s songs which pays tribute to mothers in comparison to the universe and a source of nurture and love. Draped in her signature style white Kandyan, she sang many of her inspirational songs that are known for having patriotic appeal and qualities of great substance. It certainly touched every fibre of your body and tugged your heart strings to reignite that inner pride for your mother country. Nanda Malini said in her distinctive voice which has the ability to capture the nation’s mood through her music and lyrics “It’s time to revive and reinstate the popularity and the respect that Sri Lanka always had from the world with her glorious past”. Prior to one of her popular songs she said it’s time for those who left for greener pastures to come back and contribute to the development of Mother Lanka. Following her, Sunil Edirisinghe, who Nanda Malini introduced as an artist from the third generation of the musical fraternity, melted the audience with his famous husky, soothing voice. He is known for the songs that have lyrics of poetic essence and he brought the house down with one of his popular patriotic songs. The show was a celebration of Sinhala classical music and what it means to the hearts of those who love and breathe it.

Deepika Piyadarshani, one of the most popular female classical artists of today was a sight for sore eyes. In her sunny yellow coloured Kandyan, she beamed as she took the stage and made obeisance and paid respect to her senior artists. Her silver bell voice filled the Logan Hall adding another opportunity to enjoy some of her popular music. One of the most celebrated and esteemed artists in Sri Lanka, whose songs have cult status, Victor Rathnayake, who is no stranger to great crowds, left his mark on the stage with some of his cherished songs. He began with one of his famous devotional songs to Lord Buddha and this followed by one that inspired gratitude to Mother which he enhanced with the quote from the Buddhist beliefs “Gedara Budhun Amma”. The show reached its crescendo with one of Victor Rathnayake’s anthems. “Api Okkoma Rajawaru,” with other artists joining together. The solo performance of Tabla recital by Wijayarathne Ranatunga was something of a genius at work, who used during a certain stage of the performance an instrument resemblance to a hammer to enhance the rhythm and ultimately brought to an end with a deafening applause from the audience.

It was a certainly a show that will leave an indelible memory in the minds of Sinhala Music lover expatriates which gave the opportunity to appreciate two of the most respected Sri Lankan artists, Nanada Malini and Victor Rathnayake on one stage in one show. Some of the banter between the other artists and musical maestro Rohana Weerasinghe added lightness and a sense of humour to heavy classical pieces. An accomplished and popular maestro, Rohana Weerasinghe thanked the Ananada OBA for making this event possible, especially those from the committee who worked closely with the artists: Janaka Ranchagoda, Harsha Sirwardena and Bhuminda Karunathilake. Also the Godagama family who provided accommodation and care for the artists.

Ananda events are always known to encourage a family atmosphere and this was another event for all the family to enjoy. The after show dinner, which was held for the artists by the organizing team at the Prince of Ceylon Restaurant, certainly showed that artists happy at their ease after been taken care of by the organisers of the event. There may be short comings when organising an event of such a scale but overall it was an event that was truly exhilarating and of course that not only helped but brought great awareness about the development of a Long Term Care Facility Centre for paraplegic war heroes also known as Attidiya Ranaviru Arana in Sri Lanka.