19.2.2008
Kalasoori
Shelton premaratne presented his first Australian musical
concert in the Murranji Theatre, Hawker College, Canberra
last Saturday with a packed audiences. His musical presentation
was a blending of eastern and western music with variety
of performances.
74
years old musical legend Shelton Premaratne was given
the highest reception by Canberra audience including his
past music students visarad Rukmalie Kulatilaka, Ravi
Kulatilaka , Hiran Kulatilala and Janaka Banagala who
are pioneers of eastern music in Australia. Premaratne
also boosted morale of more than fifteen upcoming musicians
by including them in his orchestra after two days intensive
training.
The concert was inaugurated by Kusumsiri Balapatabandhi,
the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka. At the opening Ambassador
Balapatabandhi said “ It is a great delight to have
a person of this stature invited to Australia to be seen
and heard by Sri Lankans who love music and dancing as
part of the Sri Lankan Culture”. He further said
that “Let us all pay homage to his excellence in
music which is totally national and original and his contribution
to produce best of musicians and eminent musical instrumentalists.
The
concert was coordinated by Janaka Banagala who was a student
of Kalasoori Shelton Premaratne, with support of many
volunteers.Ambassador Kusumsiri Balapatabandhi
Shelton Premaratne directed more than 20 instrumentalists
in the orchestra with prominent artists from Sri Lanka
and Australia including Agra Premaratne on keyboard visrard
Rukmalie Kulatilaka on Sitar, Nalaka Weerakoon on flute
and Ravi Kulatilalaka, Hiran Kulatilaka and Janaka Banagala
on violins.
Oranisers
are also planning to hold a musical workshop in Sydney
with Kalasoori Shelton Premaratne.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune