Reviewed by Thejaka Abeysekara (Web Content Team)
The Western Music Society of Trinity College impressed everyone at the All-Island Western Music and Dance Competition 2023 which took place in Colombo on September 11th. This event, held at the National Institute of Education in Maharagama gave singers, instrumentalists and dancers a chance to showcase their skills. Participants of Trinity, excelled in categories highlighting their dedication and outstanding accomplishments.
In the Provincial segment of the competition, the musical prodigies of the Western Music Society displayed their mastery with resounding success. The results were nothing short of extraordinary:
Provincial Results:
– Junior Chorale – First Place
– Senior Chorale – First Place
– Vocal Solo – First Place
– Piano Solo – First Place
Our journey continued to the National level, where the commitment of the Western Music Society’s members was evident with these remarkable achievements:
National Results:
– Junior Chorale – First Place
– Senior Chorale – Second Place
– Vocal Solo – First Place (Shevindra Herath)
– Piano Solo – Second Place (Amal Ahamed)
Junior Chorale Takes Center Stage
The Junior Chorale of the Western Music Society captured everyone’s attention at the All-Island Western Music and Dance Competition 2023 with an impressive win. Their harmonious voices cascaded in the auditorium, leaving a lasting impact on both the judges and the audience. The young performers deserve the victory for their dedication and teamwork. They delivered flawless renditions of “Have Fun While You’re Still Alive” and “On Wings of Song“.
Notably, they went on to win the top spot at the provincial competition held at Kandy Girls’ High School, further establishing their status as champions.
The college acknowledges the accomplishments of:
Nadeen Samarakoon, Akain Amunugama, Shavendra de Rafayal, Binupa Jayawardane, Kumath Epa, T. Kogulnath, Daniel Shelomith, Kemitha Nanayakkara, Yumeth Epa, Rehan Premarathne, Ashwin Ahamed, Shameel Praneeth, Dulmina Herath, Ethan Moses, Lithum Lokuyaddehige, Chandeepa Gunarathne, Induwara Rajapakse, Sobath Amarasekara, Thenuka Weeraratne, Senuja Tennakoon, Leyon Ravindran, Jayith Ganegoda, Avishan Sathyaseelan, Chenura Atapattu, Nevin Kulasekara, Nishith Wimalaratne, Chanuth Koswatte, Sanija Bandara, Mark Jayaratne and Dinesh Yadhukshan.
Senior Chorale’s exceptional rendition
Not to be outdone, Western Music Society’s Senior Chorale secured second place in the competition. Their emotionally charged performance captivated the audience with its depth and intensity. Members of the Senior Chorale showcased their vocal prowess and ability to convey strong emotions through music, earning them high praise from the judges. Their repertoire, featuring “How Can I Keep from Singing” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” highlighted their musical versatility. They had previously secured the first position in the provincial competition at Kandy Girls’ High School, further attesting to their excellence.
Trinity College is proud to acknowledge the enthusiastic the Senior Chorale:
Nadil Abeyratne, Minuka Wickremasinghe, Ryan Weekrasekara, Hasitha Herath, Joshua Shelomith, Sethmal Dissanayake, Sethlath Dissanayake, Udantha Jayasinghe, Thevan Ratnatilake, Senul Rathnayake, Shanil Senanayake, Hirun Bandara, Amal Ahamed, Trehan Sinnen, Hansana Jayasundara, Chamath Sinhalage, Thehan Andaramana, Mevindu Attanayake, Thejaka Abeysekara, Ronal Weerasekara, Savithu Jayasinghe, Bumitha Nanayakkara, Dwayne Perera, Yenuka Rathnayake and Sanuka Illangasekara.
Stellar Piano Solo by Amal Ahamed
The Western Music Society had yet another reason to celebrate as Master Amal Ahamed graced the stage with a magnificent piano solo performance, earning him second place in the said category. Amal Ahamed’s exquisite technique and passionate playing left the audience in awe. His renditions of “Entertainer” by Scott Joplin and “Wille Wagglesticks Walkabout” were standout moments of the competition, displaying his deep connection with music. His triumph at the provincial level competition held at Kandy Girls’ High School solidified his reputation as a virtuoso pianist, placing him in second place in the All-Island tournament.
Shevindra Herath’s Exceptional Vocal Artistry
Shevindra Herath, a vocal soloist from the Western Music Society, made history by clinching first place on September 9th. His captivating vocal performance, accompanied by young pianist Master Nadil Abeyratne, left both the audience and judges spellbound. Shevindra’s remarkable rendition of “Wherever you walk” and “I want to sing in Opera” brought forth his extraordinary talent and vocal prowess.
Trinity College’s success at the All-Island Western Music and Dance Competition 2023 reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young musical and dance talents. The institution’s music and dance competition provide students with a comprehensive education in Western music and dance, emphasizing both technical proficiency and, an emotional connection to the art.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedicated guidance of their teachers. Mrs. Chryshanthi Surendrakumar, Ms. Ridmi Weerasinghe, Mrs. Krishni George, and Mr. Mark Vernon who played pivotal roles in mentoring and training these gifted performers, helping them to unlock their potential.
The Western Music Society of Trinity College has once again asserted its excellence in music and dance by triumphing at the provincial competition and securing victory at the All-Island Western Music and Dance Competition 2023. Shevindra Herath’s exceptional vocal solo, the Senior Chorale’s unwavering consistency, the Junior Chorale’s outstanding performance, and Amal Ahamed’s remarkable piano skills are just a few examples of the commitment and passion, students of Trinity College have, for their artistic pursuits. Trinity College remains a beacon of artistic brilliance and a testament to the transformative power of dedicated educators.
