Jul 27 2012.
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“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
A musical directed by Peshali Yapa, is her 2nd production and is set to woo an audience of great expectation, with a rhapsody of the greatest all-time hits, on the 28th and 29th of July, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Mezzo Soprano Peshali Yapa graduated with Honours from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, Netherlands, with a double Bachelor of Music degree in Performance and Teaching. With her teaching career spanning almost a decade. While in Sri Lanka for the past 6 years, Peshali has trained a number of students in vocal performance and that talent is to be highlighted at “Call It What You Want” with her two choirs, Coro CantAmici and The Piccolinis.
Peshali exudes a musical passion as she takes a short break from a hectic schedule of rehearsals. When asked, what music means to her, she replies with a grin, “Everything”. She went on to say that she does not have a favorite song, artiste or even genre because she believes in appreciating all kinds of music in their simplest yet richest forms.
And one of the main reasons for the production is to bring her students from her many classes together onto one stage, teaching them to work with each other, making new friends and to incorporate loads of fun into everything they do.
How did she come up with the show’s title “Call It What You Want”? It was inspired during a brainstorming session with some friends and her sister. And as siblings come up with some of the smartest ideas sometimes, she made a reference to an old pop song, and as a it’s hard to land on a proper definition to love and friendship, it is left to the audience to “Call It What You Want”.
Peshali even handpicked the tunes for the night to quite cleverly tell a story and the audience is left to decipher the tale. And the theme of it all is, Love and Friendship, one of the greatest aspects of music and a theme that will never run its course.
Joining forces with Peshali is dance guru, Anushan Perera, as he steps in as choreographer. Anushan’s vast knowledge in all forms of dance technique and finesse makes working with the choirs a breeze. Professional dancer cum chef, Anushan has travelled the world perfecting his art, and has also represented Sri Lanka in many championships at home and overseas.
22 year old Nicole, from the senior choir Coro CantAmici, says this is her 1st choral experience.
Prior to joining the choir, she says she knew nothing about blending vocals with the others she worked with and has also enhanced her singing by way of learning complicated harmonies to blend into one complete sound.
To Nicole, music is the voice of the soul and says she would love to become a professional singer someday but understands that at the moment, she has to put in a lot of work for it.
Call It What You Want is the 2nd performance with The Piccolinis for 10-year-old Nesandi.
Her talent was spotted when she was still in nursery by her class teacher, who then recommended vocal lessons, and Nesandi’s been guided by Peshali for the past 6 years.
One of the Choral Directors for the Old Joes’ Choir, Geethika (24) got his own musical push from his folks at home.
Choral performance is definitely something he enjoys as it’s all about working closely with others and hardly sees himself going solo.
Music being Geethika’s driving force amidst his hectic life, he states that music is what energizes his very long days.
Radhini (14) is not the only family member in this year’s production.
With her mother and brother also part of the choir, singing is a family affair. In spite of being bullied by older brother Reihan, watching him perform was inspiration for her own musical journey.
Radhini dreams of a career in classical music, but for now, she’s enjoying time with her fellow choristers.
Accompanist, Asitha, has worked with Coro CantAmici since 2006 and loves playing piano and singing.
Asitha gained extensive musical knowledge at age 6 with vocal trainer Christine Perera and then with Peshali Yapa. He has also performed with the senior choir of St, Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
Asitha is currently immersed in his studies and will graduate in May 2013 with a Masters in Vocal Performance from Indiana University, USA.
With such an extraordinary lineup of dedicated young musicians, “Call It What You Want” is set to be a sure hit for those who will attend the Lionel Wendt on the 28th and 29th of July. For 1 1/2hours of pure musical pleasure, purchase your tickets right now, for Rs. 2000, Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 750 and Rs. 500 (balcony), available at the Wendt.
Written by Antonia
Pics by Samantha Perera
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