Having won the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka's Concerto Competition in their respective categories in the same year (2000), Asitha Tennekoon (Tenor) and Eshantha Peiris (Piano) later decided to pursue higher education in music in the USA; Eshantha at New York University’s Steinhardt School and Asitha at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, subsequently choosing to make music their profession. The two musicians will collaborate for the first time on the 5th of August in a recital of Art Song.

The hour long programme will be drawn from the Late-Romantic period of classical music, from around 1880 to1920. As an era in itself, beginning at the turn of the 19th century, the Romantic age was a reaction to several social, political and economic norms, particularly the Industrial Revolution. A huge emphasis was placed on strong personal emotions being the inspiration behind aesthetic creativity. There was an added importance given to nature and the environment due to urbanization as a result of thriving industry.

By the time the years of the Late-Romantic period rolled around the aesthetic approach had developed from portraying personal emotions, to portraying the introspective and philosophical aspects at the basis of those strong emotions.

One of the key characteristics pertaining to art song of the period is how the piano part is as important, if not more important at times, than the vocal line. This is quite evident in the first part of the programme. The music of Hugo Wolf, Debussy and Duparc depend a great deal on the rhythmic and harmonic nuances of the accompaniment to give a sense of life and reality to the psychological content of the text. In many instances one needs hear only the piano part to understand what the song is about.
Interestingly, all three of these composers were greatly influenced by the music of Richard Wagner, and they strove to broaden the extreme sensuality and striking harmonies prevalent in his music.

The second half of the programme will feature the works of British composers from around 1900-1920. The turn of the 20th century brought about the Second Golden Age of English Song. The musical style of the period was based mainly upon elements of folk song. One of the key events which dictated the subject matter for their music was the 'War to end all wars' (WWI).

The poems of A.E.Housman set to music by George Butterworth give an eery sense of  doom and futility while encouraging an attitude of moving on, and living in the moment. There will also be songs by Vaughan Williams, Ivor Gurney and Peter Warlock to round off the evening's performance.

The recital will be presented on Sunday the 5th of August, at 7:30pm at the Russian Cultural Centre.

Tickets for the recital, priced at Rs.800, are available at The Commons Coffee House, Flower Rd. Col. 07, or at the entrance on August 5th. Tickets purchased for the concert when it was to be held on the 30th of June will be valid for this performance.