By Sharuni Weerasinghe

On the evening of April 25th, the Lionel Wendt Theatre was filled with warmth, music, and a sense of togetherness as ‘Sanjeev in Concert with Tharuka & Cheran’ unfolded on stage. This special one-night performance brought together renowned performer and choir director Sanjeev Jayaratnam with his sons Tharuka and Cheran for a show that was as heartfelt as it was musically rich.

From the very first song, it was clear this concert was more than just a showcase of vocal talent - it was a celebration of family, shared creativity, and the joy of performing together. The setlist offered a dynamic mix of Broadway, gospel, rock, and timeless classics, tied together by themes of love, unity, and inspiration. Accompanied by guest artist Manique Abeyratne and the Revelations Mixed Voice Choir, the trio delivered both power and intimacy in equal measure.

The vocal blend between father and sons was a clear highlight of the evening. Each brought their own vocal personality to the stage, but it was in the harmony, crafted through original arrangements, that their connection truly shone. These arrangements, many heard for the first time, offered new textures to familiar songs. From high-energy musical theatre numbers to reflective ballads, the music never felt static. Each piece was thoughtfully curated and emotionally delivered.

While the vocals impressed, what truly moved the audience was the authenticity. There was no pretence- just a family sharing music they clearly loved, with a room full of people happy to be part of the moment. Laughter, applause, and quiet reflection rippled through the theatre, creating a shared emotional journey between performers and audience.

Audience reactions at the end of the night said it all. This wasn’t just a concert - it was an experience that resonated deeply, a reminder of what makes live performance so special. In a world where performances can sometimes feel overly polished or distant, ‘Sanjeev in Concert with Tharuka & Cheran’ reminded us that the most powerful moments on stage often come from the heart. It was a night that celebrated not just music, but the bonds that make it meaningful.

Comments from the Audience
1. Pravin Pereira - ‘’ Excellent as always, lovely choice of songs, their diction was fabulous, altogether fantastic show and looking forward to his next with the boys’’.

2. Anushca Saranapala - ‘’It was really nice, especially listening to the old songs from the 60s and 70s, it was a lovely evening and I enjoyed it thoroughly’’

3. Margie Goonewardane - ‘’We enjoyed it very much, congratulations on a fabulous show!’’

4. Nirmala Dias - ‘’This was my first time coming for one of Sanjeev’s shows and I was not disappointed. It was a perfect mix of music, and the three had fabulous stage presence. I did not feel the time pass.’’

5. Manik Rodrigo - It was an amazing show. The song choices were fantastic and they kept the energy throughout. It was a magical performance, I must say, and hats off to Sanjeev and the Revelations Academy Choir on a job well done!’’

6. Hiran De Mel - ‘’ We enjoyed the show, and knowing Sanjeev’s background in music, it was great to hear him perform tonight, and I was surprised to see the boys fit in so perfectly. The voices blended beautifully and I think they’re all very talented and the music line up was fantastic, we didn’t feel the 2 hours go, it was a brilliant show!’’

7. Akila De Silva - ‘’The show was fantastic, I loved all the songs. Amazing show’’

8. Supem De Silva - ‘’ one of my favourites was Harry Belafonte’s number because it took me back to so many years ago when my parents and I used to listen to these songs. Everything else was mesmerising and the show was amazing overall.’’