Shani is no stranger to Sri Lankan audiences, having performed concerts in Sri Lanka on multiple occasions in the past. This July, be sure to catch her performance of Beethoven’s Emperor concerto with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.

Hailed by Piano Magazine as “one of the greatest of her generation,” she is the recipient of Knighthoods from France and Monaco for her contributions to the Arts. She has been invited to perform with eminent orchestras and conductors at fabled venues the world over. Shani was born in Monaco to Sri Lankan parents, and is the only pianist from the Indian subcontinent to enter the Paris Conservatory, and to enter the prestigious Lake Como International Piano Academy presided by Martha Argerich. She is now a recording artiste with the major recording label Warner Classics, following greats like Menuhin, Callas and Rostropovich. Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the Emperor, was Beethoven’s last piano concerto, written between 1809 and 1811. Napoleon’s army was bombarding the city of Vienna at this time, and Beethoven wrote amidst the wild sounds of cannon fire and drums. Deemed ahead of its time, bold, monumental and heroic by critics and performers alike, Sri Lankan audiences will be fortunate indeed to hear this seminal work performed by an artiste of such consummate skill.

The SOSL will perform under the baton of its resident conductor Dushyanthi Perera, who will direct the orchestra in two more inspiring works: Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont, and Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony. The year 1809 signified another foray by Beethoven into the world of heroes and heroism. He was
commissioned to write incidental music for Goethe’s play about Count Egmont’s struggle for the Dutch people
against Spanish Imperial rule, and the music is dramatic and inspiring as its eponymous hero. Schubert’s 8th Symphony, represents a musical mystery to this day, as no one knows why he didn’t finish it—though he lived for six years after the second movement was completed. Although we may never know why Schubert left this Masterpiece unfinished, the movements we do have are of such unmatched beauty and instrumental colour that it matters little.

SHANI IN CONCERT is sponsored by the Nation’s Trust Bank, along with Co-Sponsor T & V Rodrigo Trust, and supported by Airline Sponsor Sri Lankan Airlines and publicity partners Yes FM, TV1, Legends 96.6, the Wijeya Group, and Official Photographer Sagara de Mel. Shani and the SOSL are performing on July 8th at the Lionel Wendt theatre. Tickets and box plan are available at the Wendt. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Liliroze