In the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural hub, a musical extravaganza is brewing, promising an evening of unparalleled delight for all aficionados of the auditory arts. On the illustrious stage of the Lionel Wendt Theater, two luminaries of the classical music realm, Soundarie Rodrigo and Thushani Jayawaradene, are poised to enrapture audiences with their transcendent talent and visionary fusion.
Scheduled for the 23rd of June 2024 at 7 pm, the joint concert, aptly titled “Classically Different,” is a testament to the boundless creativity and collaborative spirit of these esteemed musicians. As I had the privilege of sitting down with them, it became abundantly clear that their mission transcends mere performance—it’s about bridging cultural divides and democratizing the art form.
Rodrigo, an accomplished pianist, and Jayawaradene, a renowned violinist, share a passion for blending oriental melodies with the grandeur of Western classical music. This distinctive fusion, they emphasize, is the hallmark of their upcoming recital. However, their vision extends beyond mere musical experimentation; they seek to dismantle the barriers that have traditionally confined classical music to the elite echelons of Sri Lankan society.
In our conversation, both artists underscored their commitment to inclusivity, affirming that “Classically Different” welcomes all who appreciate music, irrespective of genre preferences.
Through their television appearances and eclectic musical endeavors, both performers endeavor to engage broader audiences while nurturing their enduring love for classical music. Their repertoire for the upcoming concert spans the spectrum—from Western classics to local favorites, from fusion to Bollywood, and even jazz—promising a captivating journey through diverse musical landscapes.
As the final notes of anticipation resonate in the air, it’s important to acknowledge the monumental effort behind bringing a concert of such grandeur to fruition. Countless hours of practice and unwavering dedication have been poured into every crescendo and cadence. Yet, amidst the symphony of preparation, the voices of Rodrigo and Jayawardene ring clear, shedding light on the arduous journey traversed by artists in today’s music industry.
Their candid reflections unveil the harsh realities of a landscape marked by a dearth of sponsorships and resource constraints. In their plea for support, they echo the sentiments of countless artists striving to carve a path amidst these formidable obstacles.
Furthermore, they lamented the reluctance of classical musicians in Sri Lanka to embrace versatility and experimentation, expressing their earnest desire to catalyze a paradigm shift in the local music scene with the intended concert.
As ambassadors of change, Rodrigo and Jayawaradene beckon music enthusiasts to join them on the eve of the 23rd of June, not merely as spectators but as participants in a movement towards artistic renewal. Let us heed their call, embrace the transformative power of music, and witness firsthand the magic of “Classically Different.”
Soundarie Rodrigo – A Maestra of Multifaceted Mastery
In Sri Lanka’s musical tapestry, few figures loom as large as Soundarie Rodrigo—a polymath whose indelible mark spans the realms of performance, education, and advocacy.
A graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, Soundarie’s journey to musical eminence was paved with dedication and distinction. Conferred with the esteemed title of Associate of the Royal College of Music in piano performance and accompaniment, she honed her craft on the world stage, collaborating with renowned instrumentalists and vocalists at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall.
As a soloist, Soundarie’s performances have enraptured audiences both locally and internationally, from the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka to the Bombay Symphony Orchestra—a testament to her versatility and virtuosity. Yet, it is her role as the founder and Music Director of ‘Soul Sounds,’ that solidifies her status as a transformative force in the realm of choral music.
Under Soundarie’s visionary leadership, ‘Soul Sounds’ has soared to unprecedented heights, earning accolades and acclaim on the global stage. From India to Australia, China to Kuwait, the choir has captivated audiences with its sublime performances, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the map of international choral excellence.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Soundarie’s contributions to academia and advocacy are equally profound. A qualified lawyer with a master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law from the University of California, Berkeley, she navigates the intersection of law and art with finesse and foresight.
As Deputy Director at the SAARC Cultural Centre, Soundarie’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and collaboration knows no bounds. Her accolades, including the SAARC Women of Achievement Award and the Zonta Award, attest to her unwavering dedication to the advancement of music and culture in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Thushani Jayawardene – A Maestro of the Strings
In the annals of Sri Lanka’s musical history, the name Thushani Jayawardene resonates as a testament to unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication. Hailing from a lineage steeped in musical tradition, Thushani embarked on her extraordinary journey as a performing artist at a tender age—a rarity in the Sri Lankan context.
Under the tutelage of her father, the esteemed violinist Asoka Jayawardene, Thushani’s affinity for the violin blossomed, shaping her destiny from the age of six. Thushani’s ascent in the realm of music was meteoric. By the age of seven, she was captivating audiences with her prowess at Kolonnawa Balika Maha Vidyalaya, setting the stage for a series of remarkable achievements. A scholarship recipient at Visakha Vidyalaya, Thushani’s musical journey reached new heights with a memorable recital at the Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo at the age of nine—a harbinger of her future acclaim.
Her accolades continued to mount as she assumed the role of first violinist in the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) at the tender age of twelve, a position she held until 2012 before ascending to the esteemed position of Concert Master in the years 2013 and 2014.
Thushani’s quest for musical excellence led her across continents, where she honed her craft under the guidance of luminaries such as Professor Howard Davis in London and veterans Menaka Sahabandu and Ramya de Silva in Sri Lanka. Her prodigious talent garnered international recognition, earning her accolades and scholarships, including a coveted entrance scholarship at the Royal Academy in London—a testament to her exceptional abilities.
Tickets, priced at LKR 5000, LKR 4000, LKR 3000, and LKR 2000, with balcony seats available for LKR 1000 have been available since the 13th of June, and with the concert scheduled for the 23rd of June at the Lionel Wendt Theater, there’s still time to secure your seat for what promises to be a beautifully musical evening. This inclusivity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music. So, dear readers, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience and immerse yourself in the harmonious melodies of Soundarie Rodrigo and Thushani Jayawardene!
