On the 13th of July at 7:30 pm at the Goethe-Institute Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Colombo (CMSC) will inaugurate its latest venture, ‘In Conversation,’ an informal in-person chat series moderated by the founder of the CMSC, Lakshman Joseph-de Saram, and will feature various personalities in music and allied art forms.
The series aims to provide a platform for culture enthusiasts and professionals to engage with some of the most influential and interesting figures in the industry. Through these conversations, attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the world of music and art and engage in a Q&A session at the end. 

Lakshman Joseph-de Saram, a well-known Film composer and musician, will lead the conversations. With his experience in the world of music, he will delve into the lives, careers, and inspirations of his guests.  The first episode of ‘In Conversation’ will feature Maestro Leslie Suganandarajah. Leslie has earned international acclaim for his musical achievements and is a widely respected conductor. The current Music Director of the famed Salzburg Landestheater, founded in 1775, Leslie Suganandarajah took up the helm in 2019- 20 with a new production of Wagner’s Lohengrin at the Festspielhaus. Other productions have included Macbeth, Ariadne auf Naxos and Peter Eötvös Angels in America, and this season he will conduct Rosenkavalier, Iolanthe/Nutcracker and Die Fledermaus. 

Highlights of the 2022-23 season include re-invitations to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Salzburg Mozarteum, MDR Sinfonieorchester and Chineke! Orchestra, whilst debut performances bring him to the Ulster Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North, London Mozart Players and Wiener Concertverein. He will tour Europe with Chineke! including performances in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, Rotterdam and Dublin as well as a return to London’s Southbank Centre. “We are happy to present ‘In Conversation’ to the music community in Colombo,” said Lakshman Joseph-de Saram. “This series will hopefully provide a unique opportunity for people to experience a very personal perspective, that of the artist. We are excited to kick off this series with Leslie, and look forward to welcoming everyone.” 

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural partner of the CMSC. The event is free of charge and on a first come, first served basis.  

They invite you to join them on July 13th at the Goethe-Institute Hall and enjoy a night of conversation with these two fine musicians. The Chamber Music Society of Colombo is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting chamber music and instrumental instruction. With events such as ‘In Conversation,’ the society aims to further foster a community of music enthusiasts and professionals in Sri Lanka.

pix by Matthias Baus