Some voices are simply meant to be heard together.

I’ve known Shehara and Dinushka for many years and have had the privilege of watching their journeys as artists, both individually and together. Over the years, I’ve seen them grace countless stages, bringing elegance, discipline, and a genuine love for music to every performance. What makes them truly special is how beautifully their voices complement one another. It’s as though their voices were made to meet in harmony.

On the 9th of July 2026, these two remarkable sopranos will take to the stage of the Lionel Wendt Theatre for The Duet Songbook — an evening of semi-classical favourites, Broadway classics, and popular music, all brought to life with the support of a live band.

In a world where music often has to fight for its place, artists like Shehara and Dinushka continue to remind us why live performance matters. Their commitment to their craft, their passion for music, and their dedication to sharing it with audiences is something truly admirable.

I have no doubt that this will be one of the most memorable concerts of the year.

Tickets go on sale from tomorrow, and if you appreciate great music, beautiful storytelling, and voices that blend effortlessly together, this is a concert you won’t want to miss.

This week on Buzz with Danu, I catch up with Shehara and Dinushka as we talk about music, friendship, sacrifice, and the journey behind The Duet Songbook.

After so many years in music, what still gives you butterflies before stepping onto a stage?

Shehara:
“Ahhh! Those dreaded butterflies remind you that you need to get through the concert, one song at a time. You can sing on stage every day, but it can never prepare you enough. But those tummy flutters are good. It keeps you on your toes and never makes you complacent.”

Dinushka:
“Singing live is always exciting as well as very challenging. No matter how much you rehearse, live music is always unpredictable. A lyric could be forgotten, a harmony could just slip out of your head, or a moment of pure improvisation could just happen. The vulnerability of knowing that anything can happen is terrifying, but it’s also where the magic lives.”

Looking back at your journey, what is one performance that changed the way you saw yourselves as artists?

Shehara:
“The day I did my solo concert in 2015. I carry that experience with me always. What I learned during that concert made me push myself as a singer and as a person to challenge the fears that sometimes stop you from being and doing your best.”

Dinushka:
“I think one of the most defining moments in my life was when I took part and was placed at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at the age of 15. It was then that I realized that maybe I do have some talent! Singing on that stage in front of an audience of over 3000 people took a lot of hard work, discipline, and courage, and it is a memory I will carry with me my whole life.”

As sopranos, you’ve both mastered a demanding art form. What were some of the biggest sacrifices you made to pursue music seriously?

Shehara:
“I think I was lucky enough to navigate the hurdles. However, challenges did come my way at times. But I was able to balance both work and family without sacrificing too much.”

Dinushka:
“When you commit to a life as a singer, your instrument isn’t packed away in a case at the end of the day; you are the instrument. Because of that, the sacrifices are deeply personal. Giving up favorite foods or drinks, which can inflame the vocal cords, and missing out on events and moments with friends and family because of the commitment you make to rehearsals are some of the sacrifices you have to make.”

How long have you been planning this concert?

Shehara:
“This has been in the works for some time now. It was finally this year that the dynamic team behind the scenes was able to fit all the pieces together and bring the music to life.”

Dinushka:
“I completely agree with Shehara. This concert has been a long time in the making, and we’re thrilled that everything has finally come together.”

Is there a song in this concert that holds a particularly emotional story or memory for either of you?

Shehara:
“All the songs in the repertoire we’re performing hold special significance for each of us.”

Dinushka:
“A few songs hold significant meaning. The Disney medley I’m doing as a solo is close to my heart as Disney was an important part of my childhood, and much of my love for music comes from the countless movie musicals I watched with my sister. The worship song we’re doing is also close to our hearts because it is by the grace of God that we have been able to come this far in our lives, and we need to give glory to Him for all His blessings.”

You’ve witnessed the changing landscape of music in Sri Lanka. Do you think audiences today appreciate live music differently compared to when you first started?

Shehara:
“Audiences that appreciate the arts will always be supportive and appreciative. That will not change.”

Dinushka:
“I completely agree. Those who truly love music and the arts continue to support live performances, and that appreciation remains timeless.”

From semi-classical to Broadway and pop, this concert spans many genres. Which style challenges you the most and why?

Shehara:
“Not to sound cliché, Danu, but every genre comes with its own challenges. We as singers always endeavor to showcase those genres with the discipline they deserve.”

Dinushka:
“I think each genre has different challenging aspects, as they each require different techniques when singing. Switching between each genre is not an easy task, and that is something we’re both working on mastering.”

What is the biggest misconception people have about classical or trained singers?

Shehara:
“Versatility maybe? People believe that singers who are versatile in one style may not venture to try something new.”

Dinushka:
“That we can sing only one style of music! However, we’re here to prove that wrong.”

If you could perform a dream duet with any artist—living or dead—who would it be and what song would you choose?

Shehara:
“Maybe Adele, but performing with any celebrity on an international stage would be a dream come true.”

Dinushka:
“I have always wanted to meet and sing with Barbra Streisand. She is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to music and acting.”

When the curtain comes down on the 9th of July, what do you hope the audience takes home from The Duet Songbook?

Shehara:
“The journey. If at least one song moved them or connected with them, then we’ve achieved what we set out to accomplish. We hope they take back fond memories of The Duet Songbook.”

Dinushka:
“People aren’t just showing up to hear music; they’re bringing their own memories, heartbreaks, and celebrations into that room. Realizing that a song we performed resonated with our audience in a special way is what we hope to achieve; that they will leave the Lionel Wendt on that night with a renewed appreciation and love for music.”