Music has the all-consuming power to heal souls. In a world rapt in woe and dissonance, only music can ignite the flame of peace and harmony. Transcending barriers that divide us, the Colombo Musical Festival hopes to offer a platform for artistes to perform expressing joy, love and compassion that music is empowered to provide.

 

Spanning four days and sixteen locations with an array of gifted artistes from over fifteen countries, Colombo Music Festival will be illuminating the city of Colombo. Over 50,000 participants will be taking part in this musical extravaganza to a much anticipated global audience, showcasing not only homegrown musical prowess, but a cocktail of renowned international artistes who are awaiting to perform right here in Colombo.    

 

 

 

 

“Spirit” the much-awaited musical talent search will be held island-wide in a form of a competition amongst young, budding artistes to perform to their hearts’ content. This will be the forerunner of Senses and Soul, Colombo Music Festival and travel throughout Sri Lankan cities, towns and villages seeking hidden aspiring artistes granting them an opportunity to sharpen their talents as well as to perform in the limelight of self-aspired success.

 

First of these many auditions were held recently at the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau with scores of young artistes taking the stage to exhibit their talents. These youthful, energetic performers were reached out to by various means of social media, press conferences and through music teachers’ island wide. The auditions were held during four separate sessions with noteworthy performances by Melissa Perera, who sang an emotional rendition of the hit single Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri.

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Solo guitarists Mohan and Asanga performed popular oriental and fusion tracks. Sujitha Wickremasooriya performed It’s a lovely Day, and Kumidini Perera who was classed as one of the most talented performers of the night, sang a heartfelt gospel song.

 

The panel of judges for the afternoon comprised Mr. Arun Dias Bandaranaike, and the legendary Mrs. Mary Ann David with her son, Mr. Andre David from the David Academy of Performing Arts. Judges were kind enough to provide extremely insightful comments, suggestions, giving each artiste something positive take back home.

 

 

  

 

The Colombo Music Festival not only provides a platform for budding artistes to step into the international arena but also plays a vital role in educating performers while making sure their required training needs are met. The panel of judges addressed this by calling on all participants to seek the necessary voice training through the resources Colombo Musical Festival has to offer.

 

Also, it is noteworthy to remember that there will be a number of record labels present at the final show scouting for talent, providing an enriching boost for the young performers. 

As Mr. Arun Dias Bandaranaike clearly stated, the Colombo Music Festival does not merely aim to meet the set ‘international’ standard, but it hopes to uplift Sri Lankan talent to solidify itself to meet this set ‘standard’ worldwide.

 

  

 

Mrs. Mary Ann David called for young performers to be appropriately educated in their genre of music rather than be misguided. It is not the lack of talent in Sri Lanka, but the lack of education to support the existing talent.

 

“Spirit” talent search will be proudly sponsored by MAS with “Mantra Moods” being the main event organizer along with Yamaha Instrument Providers and Red Bull stepping onboard as the main sponsors of the event.

 

Get ready to experience the most enriching musical extravaganza a South Asian destination has dared to offer! 

 

 

 

(By Heshani Jayawickrama)