Historic Jaffna concerts to mark 60 years of Japan-Lanka diplomatic ties

A series of  events  to mark the the 60th anniversary of  Sri Lanka-Japan  diplomatic relations has been organised by the Japanese Embassy,with the highlight being the first ever  musical concerts it will be staging in Jaffna.

 The celebrations to be held both in Colombo and Jaffna commences today and will continue until December 8.It, is being jointly organised by the Japanese Embassy,the Japan Foundation and  Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL).

The programme includes several concerts including Premières,Classical and a AUN & HIDE musical performance.

Also lined up are the screening of a Japanese film "Wanko" - The Story of Me,My Family and My Dog,Randooga workshops and Jazz piano performances.

"The cultural shows,particularly in Jaffna  will be of historical importance as  it would be the  first time that  we will be staging such events in the Northern Capital",the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Nobuhito Hobo said,adding that it would also be a first for  SOSL.

The scheduled events also indicated Japan’s willingness to contribute  towards the Sri Lankan governments efforts to promote harmony and reconciliation between  the various communities,the ambassador noted.

The SOSL,which is in its 55th season was delighted to partner the Japanese Embassy in  celebrating an important occassion,its Chairperson Sharmini Wettimuni said.

The SOSL,assists students through outreach programs both in and outside Colombo and has over the last two years taken music to the South and in  the North,upto Kilinochchi, she said adding "We are delighted that November 17,would mark our  very first concert in Jaffna.Titled "Music from Around the World", it will feature three excellent Japanese professionals as the conductors,Keiko Kobayashi, the main soloist (Clarinet), Ado Kihara and Japanese composer Eiji Suzuki who would introduce his special composition to the Jaffna people."

Entrance to the Jaffna concert will be free and open to all music loving people.The different instruments of the orchestra will be explained and demonstrated.In addition,the music to be performed will be described to give a greater understanding to the audience.The overall experience will  certainly provide great entertainment for students,teachers and the general public,Sharmini  noted.

The "Premières Concert" of the SOSL conducted by Keiko Kobayashi,a renowned Japanese guest conductor,is to be held  at the Ladies’ College Hall, Colombo today.It, will feature Eiji Suzuki, an internationally acclaimed Japanese composer who would showcase his World Première compositions in person, inspired by Sinhala and Tamil folk tunes.Tanya Ekanayaka,an internationally acclaimed classical pianist would be the soloist.

The Japanese film "Wanko" has been scheduled for screening on November 16, at the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna.Its a miraculous story of friendship and the indelible bond between a dog, a boy and his family based on true events of a family torn apart by an unimaginable natural disaster.

 The Classical Music Concert by SOSL  to be conducted by Keiko Kobayashi and also featuring Eiji Suzuki, is to staged at the  Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna on November 17.

 The Randooga Workshop  which uses the  improvisation method created by Masahiko Satoh,as a means of nonverbal communication to enhance dialogue with oneself and between people to be held also in Jaffna, has been  scheduled for November 27, 28 and 29 .A  study concert  has also been listed for November  29.

Satoh,who is a master pianist would be joined by Sitarist Pradeep Ratnayake in a unique  musical performance that will be spontaneous and improvised.Kei Wada (percussionist), Akiko Uesugi (singer) and Isaac Smith (bassist) will be part of the team.

Satoh,Ratnayake  and their  group will be back in Colombo on December 2, for   a special concert of jazz piano improvisation at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. 

The AUN & HIDE musical concerts  to be held at the National Youth Service Council, Maharagama on   December 7 and at the Hotel School Auditorium, Colombo on December 8, will  feature three talented Japanese artists playing traditional musical instruments such as Taiko (drums), Shamisen (Japanese guitar), fue (Japanese flute) and Japanese traditional percussion, presenting a mix of classics, semi classics and modern music.

Source:http://island.lk