Reviewed by the Junior Literary Association, Trinity College Kandy.
It was a memorable evening for the audience at the Trinity College Hall on the 20th of April, as four of Sri Lanka’s foremost musicians took the stage for an enchanting hour of chamber music. They were warmly welcomed and introduced by the Choirmaster of Trinity as renowned musicians of Sri Lanka – Dushy Perera (the present conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka) on Cello, Tamara Holsinger on Cello, Shanthi Dias on Piano, and Nilupul Silva on the violin.
These virtuosos were gathered not only to perform for the young audience but also to educate them with some salient aspects of the music that was performed. The works of three composers Handel, Rachmaninoff , and Mendelsshon, each introduced by Tamara Holsinger, was the treat for the evening.
Handel’s Trio Sonata, a piece originally written for two violins and performed by Dushy, Tamara and Shanthi. Each of the four movements were marked by their typical and distinct characteristics. This was a valuable experience for the students, to see and feel a full sonata being performed live.
Rachmaninoff’s Trio Elegiaque was introduced as an elegy, the characteristic repetitive bars demonstrated by Shanthi. The piece saw the entrance of Nilupul on stage, who performed with Tamara and Shanthi. The audience was absorbed by the emotion of the piece, and musical nuances of sorrow and solemnity brought out expertly by the musicians.
Mendelsshon’s Erstes Trio was introduced as one of the composer’s most well known and as having more pronounced work for the piano. The piece was performed by Dushy, Nilupul and Shanthi, where each instrument recited its own mind in exotic harmony with others.
During the performance, there was attentive silence from the audience of about 80 school children, who were present despite their school holidays, as they sat savouring the music as if they were held in a trance; while the musicians passionately made their instruments talk, whisper, walk, run, mourn and laugh with joy. The audience fittingly showed their appreciation and happiness by sweetly rising to their feet, applauding full of smiles, for the final bow of a singularly wonderful evening.
A senior Chorister proposed a vote of thanks to the musicians for giving the audience the privilege and an extraordinary treat. He also thanked the Chairperson of SOSL Board for contacting the Principal of Trinity College who facilitated this evening. He concluded by expressing the wish for the musicians to come once again to a hall full of music enthusiasts.
The hour saw a pleasant end with everyone happily parting wishing for more.
