The Liszt Connection: Reviewed 

Piano Virtuoso, Harsha Abeyaratne, delighted the audience of the Lionel Wendt on July 5th, with his performances in the concert “The Liszt Connection”. JC Entertainment (Pvt) Ltd, run by Jehan CanagaRetna was instrumental in putting together this concert whose proceeds will be invested in the much worthy cause known as “Project Joy”. Project Joy which is the brain child of Pediatric Neurologist Dr Sandy Waran, will help the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) to establish an Epilepsy Unit along with diagnostic EEG machinery. Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes a person to have recurrent unprovoked seizures. Early diagnosis of this condition is important for a patient's quality of life and long term outcome, such having these machines at LRH would be highly beneficial.

Pianist Harsha Abeyratne, who kindly performed free of charge for this charitable concert, is currently an Associate Professor of Music at Muskingum University of Ohio, U.S.A. He has performed throughout the United States and internationally, making his solo debut at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2012. The advent of these charitable “Evenings of Classical Music” started in New Jersey where Mr Abeyaratne and other talented musicians collaborated to entertain an enthralled audience of music lovers. Their efforts kick started “Project Joy” collecting an impressive US $170,000, in the first instance, these donations were sufficient to purchase much need EEG machines at LRH.

Classical music lovers were indeed spoilt to the hilt by Mr Abeyaratnes masterful capture of the famous works of Lizst, Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, Chopin and of course  the ever impressive Rachmaninoff's Prelude in D Major. His rendition of the piece by Mozart was enjoyed by all with many commenting on the exceptional control and  ability by which Mr Abeyaratne was able to translate the music to enrapture the audience. The rise and fall of the Mephisto Waltz by Franz List whisked the audience away on a journey of musical brilliance. We walked instep to the feel and mood of the music with just the notes played by Harsha, conveying to us the emotional scene on hand. Mr Abeyratne's love affair with Schumann's Sonata in G minor was indeed a passionate one for he played with such a flair that the audience was left over whelmed at its beauty.  “The Liszt Connection”, an evening of classical music for such a worthy cause was indeed a thundering success.

Comments from the audience 

Harshani

It was a delightful performance, absolutely enchanting evening. The pieces were lively and especially enjoyed the piece by Mozart.

Viranthi and Thiyagi

Excellent performance and such a beautiful evening.

Rohana

My favourite was the Mozart piece. Brilliant music.

Malika

Harsha Abeyaratne has a flair for Schumann and also the Brahms piece was brilliant. His performances are incredible and very artistic for someone who comes from a family of doctors.

Krishi

As music teachers ourselves we found Harsha's rendition of Schuman fabulous, he has excellent technique and such a delightful performance.

Reviewed by Mayuri Jayasinghe
Photographs by Kithsiri de Mel