By Nimaya Nanayakkara 

This August, celebrated vocalist Dmitri Gunatilake takes the stage for From Now On, a special recital marking ten years of her journey in song and music. Held at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on the 24th of August at 7.00 p.m., the evening will bring together Broadway, opera, gospel, and Sinhala classics in a programme that reflects her remarkable career. With proceeds in aid of a Child Care Home in Kalutara, the concert is both a celebration of music and a testament to Dmitri’s commitment to using her artistry for a greater cause.

Looking back on this milestone, Dmitri shared her thoughts on the experiences that shaped her, the joy of performing with fellow musicians, and her hopes for the future.

This recital marks ten years of your journey as a solo artist. Looking back, what moments or experiences have shaped you the most as a performer?

There has been a variety of things, like an accumulation of moments, not one particular turning point. Having my first show without knowing anything about licenses or programs or lights was one of them. Performing with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka for the first time back in 2015 was another. I also started out singing in a choir, and life came full circle when I was able to direct a choir show at Bishop’s College.

There have been many little moments - my first opera performance, then all the Broadway numbers. I’ve been a part of Maria in Sound of Music, Evita, and especially my dream musical, Phantom of the Opera.

You’ll be performing Broadway, opera, gospel, and Sinhala classics in one evening. How did you choose which pieces to include for this milestone event?

I tried to bring back at least one song from every concert that I have had, while also including some new ones. It was about creating the right flow, what is interesting, what tells a story, and what people can relate to the most. So it’s a mix of songs from concerts and also songs that people can sing along with things that connect both me and the audience.

Many of the musicians and artists joining you are people you have worked with over the years. What does it mean to share this stage with them now?

Sharing the stage is such an exciting and humbling experience. I’m grateful because everyone has so openly embraced being part of it, and it feels so special to be able to show people how they've been a part of my journey. 

Interestingly, apart from Ajit and Shanell, the pianist, drummer, and bassist are all new faces. But even though they’re new, working with them feels natural - like home, so it's a nice experience to have new people as well. 

The recital also features the Intermediate Choir and the Voce Omnibus Performance Choir of Bishop’s College. How important has mentoring and working with young singers been in your career?

It’s been nice having to train them. One thing is I am able to learn the latest lingo and songs, but it’s also nice to create discipline, build team spirit, a community and to teach them what singing and performance are about.

It’s not easy to sing, act, and dance at the same time, but they do a really good job. My choreography is not the easiest either, but it’s been amazing seeing them grow in the past two years as a performance choir and intermediate choir.

Proceeds from the event will go to a Child Care Home in Kalutara. What inspired you to connect this celebration with a cause like this?

I’ve always wanted to use my singing to help children. Teaching has been one way, and supporting them in other ways- even financially- has always felt important to me.

When this particular cause was recommended, I did my own research and found it looks after more than 30 children with different cognitive and physical disabilities. Knowing that, I felt this was the right cause to support. When people attend the show, they’re not only supporting me as a performer- they’re also directly supporting the home and the incredible children who live there. That makes it so much more meaningful.

After this milestone, what new goals or projects do you see ahead for your music and performances?

For 10 years I think I have covered all the genres I want to cover - gospel, pop, sing-along, Christmas, opera. I’m hoping I can take my singing elsewhere, as in out of the country, and create a few originals and try to come up with a new project, which I haven’t decided yet.