Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka Celebrates Golden Jubilee

‘Sri Lanka Calling’ congratulates the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, on its Golden Jubilee . We wish them continuing success as the most outstanding non-professional musical ensemble in Sri Lanka. An orchestra comprised of committed musicians, has over its 50 years of existence, thrilled audiences with many a captivating performances. They have during the Golden Jubilee year crossed oceans to Japan to make a landmark presentation.

The highlight of the Golden Jubilee year is the ‘Asia Orchestra Week’ concert, held in Tokyo, Japan. The India – Sri Lanka Goodwill Orchestra, combining musicians from Sri Lanka, India and Japan performed under the baton of Maestro Hikotaro Yazaki. Our own Harsha Makalande’s ‘Svarasanga Vannama’ for Orchestra, Piano and Local Drums, featuring composer as the pianist and Ravibandu and Jananath Warakagoda on Getaberaya and Thamamattema (Local Drums) respectively, stole the show with its unique sounds and exchanges of the soloists and was reported to be the most spectacular performance at the Asia Orchestra Week’s concerts.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations ends with the Christmas Concerts, conducted by Manilal Weerakoon, and the Orchestra will continue rehearsing for Bizet’s Opera ‘The Pearl Fishers’ presented with co-sponsorship of Sri Lanka Tourism, which goes on board on 9th and 11th January 2008 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.