This October 2006 a very exciting group of drummers and dancers from Sri Lanka will be visited Perth, Australia.
The group was lead by master drummer, dancer and choreographer, Karunaratna Bandara.
Bandara has toured and performed extensively all over the world. He is also an artistic director and senior lecturer at the University of Fine Arts in Colombo. Bandara is a student of the renowned Piyasara Shilpadhipathi and has taken the role of progressing Sri Lankan traditional drumming and dancing alongside other great artists such as Ravibandhu.
The travelling group showcased a dazling drumming and dancing performance through the month of October called Rhythms of Sri Lanka. The shows was held at Kulcha in Fremantle.
It was an exciting exhibition of Traditional Sri Lankan Drumming, Dancing and Song.
This group of gifted artists visited Australia from 25 September to 10 November 2006.
Rhythms of Sri Lanka presented a colourful rhythmic spectacle showcasing Sri Lankas vast array of drumming and dance traditions.
The group was complemented by drummer and dancer Kanchana Karunaratna and Maalinda Rambukwella on traditional reed flute and vocals. The shows were also graced by the beatiful dancers Chathurica Gunasena, Madhusha Chandratileke and Madhavi and Medhavi Karunaratna.
It was an impressive display of drumming including the duelling between two drummers. Dancers dressed in the brilliant costumes steeped in age old traditions and the melody of the reed flute set the scene as was the custom during the time of Kings.
Sri Lankan Drum and Dance Tradition dates as far back as 2500 years.
Rhythms of Sri Lanka exhibit an energetic display of ritual drumming and dancing that form the fabric of Sri Lankan Culture.
Drumming and dancing is used in every aspect of life in Sri Lanka. From birth to death drumming and dancing is used to evoke the blessing of the people and the spirits.
In days gone by drumming was used by the Kings to communicate news to his Kingdom.
The colourful drumming and dance rituals feature prominently in modern day religious ceremonies.
Rhythms of Sri Lanka is managed by Kanchana Karunaratna .Kanchana was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and now resides in Perth, Western Australia.
Kanchana himself is an accomplished drummer with over ten years experience in the community and cultural music scene in Perth.
He has contributed towards promoting Sri Lankan traditional drumming and dancing in Perth and in Melbourne.
He has also collaborated with acclaimed Master Percussionist Ray Pereira to form a fusion percussion group which blends Sri Lankan, West African and Afro Cuban rhythms.
We would like to thank the Sri Lankan Cultural Society, Australia Asia Association and all those who took part to make this tour a success.
For all further details and future perfomances Please contact Kanchana Karunaratna on
+61 432 557 188
[email protected]
