The Thunderbird of contemporary music in Sri Lankan history, Maestro Premasiri Khemadasa, ended his long career of over fifty years of music composition and his walk through the path of life on 24 October 2008.
Being a legend not only in Sri Lankan music but also in universal music, Maestro is dearly remembered by all the hearts his music touched, from serious classic lovers to music enthusiasts to film buffs. He is renowned for fusing Sri Lankan folk music elements, Indian ragas, and Western classical music into his creations.
Now, this Sri Lankan iconic composer Dr Premasiri Khemadasa’s masterpiece, New Year Symphony, will be performed at the Nalanda College Malalasekara Theatre on 25 January at 7:30 PM. This special event also celebrates the Maestro’s 87th birthday, honouring his unparalleled contribution to Sri Lankan music.
The performance, featuring renowned British musician Colin Jagger, promises to revive the spirit of Khemadasa’s timeless works. Jagger, who brings a rich background in European music traditions, expressed his excitement at collaborating with Sri Lankan musicians for the first time, calling it “a profound cultural exchange.”
“I am extremely honoured and excited to be involved in the performance of ‘New Year’ on 25 January. Until now, my musical experience has been bound up in the European tradition, and so it has been fascinating to study the music of Sri Lanka’s most famous composer. Also, I have never before had the opportunity to work with an orchestra in Asia. I know I will learn a lot from them, and I hope they will also learn something from me – this sharing of cultural experience is very important and brings the peoples of the world closer together. We were very fortunate in Portsmouth to be able to perform a piece by Gayathri Khemadasa, and, having really enjoyed her music, I am now enjoying the music of Khemadasa senior”, Colin Jagger remarked.
Maestro Khemadasa’s New Year Symphony captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s New Year celebrations, weaving the vibrant rhythms of folk traditions with the delicate harmonies of classical music. From the awakening of Erabadu flower buds to the echoes of the tambourine and the melody of the ten-stringed gong, the symphony paints a vivid picture of the island’s festive season.
The event will feature an orchestra that brings Maestro Khemadasa’s vision to life, beaming audiences into the rich cultural and emotional landscape of the Sri Lankan New Year.
For inquiries – 076 431 2077
(Images: Premasiri Khemadasa website, Gayathri Khemadasa facebook account)
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