Review by Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team)
“A splendid, toe-tapping performance. Completely in tune and the voices were unified within their various parts, which incidentally, were dynamically balanced”
– A remark by the Adjudicator Mr. Norris highlighting the Trinity College Western Music Society’s Performance.
The stage was set ablaze as the 26th ‘Sri Lanka Festival of Music, Dance, and Speech‘ unfolded its enchanting journey from July 19th to August 7th. Trinity College Western Music Society took the center stage during this period, stating an unforgettable mark at this prestigious event. In July 19th, the Provincial Competition kicked off the festival, paving the way for the grand finale, the All-Island Competition, held in August 7th. The pinnacle of achievement for the Western Music Society was marked by this victorious evening at the New Town Hall in Colombo.
The Junior Chorale Group, a constellation of gifted young artists including Akain Amunugama, Amrit Victoria, Ashen Wijesinghe, Aswin Ahamed, Avisha Sathiyaseelan, Binupa Jayawardane, Chandeepa Gunaratne, Chanuth Koswatte, Chanura Athapaththu, D. Yadakshan, Daniel Shelomith, Dihen Rajapakse, Dulmina Herath, Ethan Moses, Imeth Pethiyagoda, Induwara Rajapakse, Haayith Ganegoda, Kemitha Nanayakkara, Kumath Epa, Leyon Ravindra, Lithum Lokuyaddehiye, Mark Jayaratne, Minuka Kumaranayake, Muhammed Jameel, Nadeem Samarakoon, Nethul Rathnasooriya, Nevin Kulasekara, Nisith Wimalarathne, Peshala Bandara, Sanija Bandara, Senuja Tennakoon, Shameel Praneeth, Shavendra Da Rafayal, Shayan Hassen, Sobath Amarasekara, Thangaraja Kogulnath, Thenuka Weeraratne, Uvindu Jayasundara, Yenuja Mahanama, and Yumeth Epa, showcased their dedication and sacrificing months of practice in a breathtaking performance. Garnering an astonishing score of 95, they not only clinched several special awards for the college but also etched their names in history by achieving the highest-ever mark in the society’s records and the competition’s entire history.
The Senior Chorale Group, comprising of talented individuals such as Amal Ahamed, Bumitha Nanayakkara, Chamath Sinhalage, Dwayne Perera, Hansana Jayasundara, Hasitha Herath, Hirun Bandara, Joshua Shelomith, Mevindu Attanayake, Minuka Wickremasinghe, Nadil Abeyratne, Rashmika Herath, Ronal Weerasekara, Ryan Weerasekara, Sanuka Illangasekara, Savithu Jayasinhe, Senul Ratnayake, Sethlath Dissanayake, Sethmal Dissanayake, Shanil Senanayake, Tejaka Abeysekara, Thehan Andaramana, Thevan Ratnatilake, Trehan Sinen, Udantha Jayasinghe, and Yenuka Rathnayake, equally dazzled the audience with their exceptional talents. Their melodious artistry secured them another year of outstanding gold medals.
The Junior Chorale Group’s astonishing performance in the ‘Intermediate Choir Popular Songs – English (11 – 14 years)’ category earned them a well-deserved gold medal, with a remarkable score of 95. Not to be outdone, the Senior Chorale Group clinched another gold in the ‘Senior Choir – Religious – English (15 – 19 years)’ category, earning an impressive score of 90.
In addition to their outstanding achievements, the Western Music Society garnered a series of ‘Special Awards’ which included accolades for ‘Most Number of All Island Awards won by a School for Choirs‘, ‘Best Choir – Religious‘, ‘Best Choir – Popular Songs‘, and ‘Best Overall Choir – Under 19 Years‘.
The rigorous evaluation process at the 26th Sri Lanka Festival of Music, Dance, and Speech underscored the exceptional performances and celebrated the talents of all participants. The scoring system recognized the dedication and hard work put in by the contestants.
Reaching a score of 90 or above was a testament to the Western Music Society’s unwavering commitment to musical excellence. Their exceptional talent and dedication to the craft illuminated the stage, captivating the judges and the audience alike.
The Junior and Senior Chorale Groups of the Western Music Society dazzled not only in the provincial competition but also secured their positions as the champions in their respective categories. Their remarkable talents earned them the prestigious honour of exemption from national-level competition, solidifying their status as exceptional gold medalists.
The Western Music Society expresses profound gratitude to their dedicated teachers, Mrs. Chryshanthi Surendrakumar, Miss. Ridmi Weerasinghe, and Mr. Mark Vernon, for their invaluable guidance in nurturing these budding talents.
The 26th Sri Lanka Festival of Music, Dance, and Speech once again bore witness to the brilliance of the Western Music Society. Their unwavering commitment to musical excellence continues to inspire, making an indelible mark in the landscape of music and performing arts at Trinity College, Kandy.
