An Enjoyable Evening With The De Lanerolle Brothers 

“Forever my darling, 
Our love will be true.
Always and forever
I’ll love just you.” 

Sang Rohan and Ishan de Lanerolle at their sell-out concert on Tuesday, 5th April 2016 at the Hilton Colombo ballroom. “Live VII” was the title as it was the Brothers’ seventh annual concert usually held on 3rd March but this time the date and venue were changed. 

It was a dinner concert and a phalanx of waiters made sure the guests were served sharp on time as the menu stated. The starter was Marinated Prawn on Avocado Puree and Seared Peppered Yellow Fin Tuna with Dill Mustard and Pickle Radish along with Crispy Bell Pepper with Micro Leaves. The next item on the Menu was Roasted Butternut & Apple Espresso with Tapenade Croute. 

Then came a fanfare and the De Lanerolle Brothers made a grand entry and started the show by singing “Ten Guitars” followed by 

“I am the Great Pretender...
You left me to dream all alone, pretending that you’re still around.” 

The two brothers then sang an original song composed by Rukshan Perera titled “One Child at a time” devoted to destitute children; 

“Do you feel their lonely weeping hearts?
We are Sri Lankans.
Let’s make a difference.
A light will start to shine...” 

Then came the Draw for Tables which could request a song from the Brothers’ Repertoire. 

“Love Me With all of Your Heart” was the first request followed by the beautiful harmonising of “The Prayer”. 

The singers invited the audience to join and they sang. 

“Three Little Words...I love you.” 

The Main Course was then served. It was Confit of Spring Chicken with Caramelised Onion on Thyme Jus, Pan Fried Pimento & Mushroom Crusted Fish Fillet on Jalapeno Cream and Japanese Garlic Rice with Baby Vegetables. 

“Now and Forever,
Let it be me...”
sang the Brothers. 

It was followed by the Title Song of the show “One Moment in Time” sung by Whitney Houston for the Olympics. 

“Give me one moment in time
When I am racing with Destiny,
I will feel Eternity.” 

The Brothers came down from the centre stage and walked amid the audience as they sang. 

Meanwhile, dessert was served. It consisted of Coco Banana Cashew Pudding with Cointreau Strawberry Salad, Chocolate Liegeois & Classic Creme Brule. 

The show concluded with three special requests sung by Rohan and Ishan; “Sweet Caroline”, “My Way” and “Spanish Eyes”. 

Comments from the audience 

Girija Sinha 

“The voices were unbelievably beautiful. I am an Indian and it was the first time I had heard the De Lanerolle Brothers.” 

Malini Wijeratne 

“It was fabulous. You never get tired of hearing them sing.” 

Duminda Silva 

“It was excellent. I am a fan of the De Lanerolle Brothers. I thank the media for giving us this opportunity to hear them.” 

Val Jayakoddy 

“The De Lanerolle Brothers always give us a fabulous show.” 

Averil Walsh 

“It was a fantastic concert.” 

Lara de Zoysa Bruno 

“It was great. Super singing and good atmosphere.” 

Nilanthi Pieris 

“I’ve been for all seven of their shows as they bring music which inspires a lot of people.” 

Rushda 

“It was nice to see a live performance. Their singing takes you down Memory Lane.  The songs take you back in time." 

Best Performance 

Rohan and Ishan de Lanerolle sang an original song composed by Rukshan Perera titled “One Child At A Time” devoted to destitute children. 

“Do you feel their lonely weeping hearts?
We are Sri Lankans.
Let’s make a difference.
A light will start to shine...” 

Next Show Date : 7 September 2016 at BMICH with a live band and orchestra. For reservations call 0777 996 991. 

By Sirohmi Gunesekera 
Photographs by Manoj Ratnayake