An Unforgettable Evening of Music from Trinity College:
Theevra’s electrifying performance sets new standards for school musical productions!
THEEVRA, the musical that took to stage recently, organised by the Trinity College Oriental Music Society [ OMS ], was nothing but a resounding testament to the unifying power of music and its ability to seamlessly blend with the school curriculum adding value to a child’s holistic learning experience. Held at the National Institute of Co-operative Development in Polgolla, this musical extravaganza surpassed boundaries and connected communities, cultures, genders, and age groups with the magic of music.
Setting the tone of a usual Trinity event, the show commenced sharply on time with the promise of an evening filled with musical brilliance. The curtain raiser was a ritualistic tribute to Goddess Saraswathi, the deity revered for her inspiration over aesthetics in South Asian cultures. This homage symbolised the profound connection between spirituality and music, and the students who partook in this segment in both vocals, music and dance, set the pace for the rest of the activities to unfold, with their mesmerising opening performance.
Next to follow was a fitting tribute to the legendary maestro of Sinhala music, Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa. The talented students of the OMS paid homage to his enduring legacy with a rendition of his much-adored composition, “Handunagaththoth Oba Maa.” Their performance with multiple musical variations to the song not only showcased their musical prowess but also celebrated the ironic contribution of Kemadasa to the local music industry.
The three songs that followed the Kemadasa rendition were poignant explorations of childhood expectations, inducing nostalgia and tugging at the heartstrings of the audiences, taking them back to their childhood. These three songs, namely “Hithawathkam,” “Ranchu Gesi Sindu Kiyamu,” and “Koheda Koheda Ape Lowak,” were brought to life by the talented students from various age groups, all of whom were proud members of the Trinity OMS.
Unveiling the first guest artist segment, Umara Sinhawansa took to the stage, and her performance at the evening event was nothing but captivating with her incredible voice and passionate singing. Despite a slight delay in her entry, her remarkable singing compensated for the lost time, making it a memorable evening for everyone present. Umara began her segment with one of her cherished originals, “Malakuth Thibuna,” accompanied by a student singer Nethmika Athukorala. This collaboration highlighted the importance of experienced professionals nurturing and supporting budding talent of future Sri Lanka. Her moving rendition of the love ballad, “Wassanayata Atha Wanala,” touched the hearts of the audience, becoming an instant hit. The depth of emotion in her singing resonated with the crowd, leaving them spellbound and yearning for more. “Master Sir,” an evergreen classic, had the entire audience singing along, showcasing the timeless appeal of this masterpiece of a song. To conclude her segment, Umara chose another popular number, “Rasa Pirunu Katha” by Shyami Fonseka. This performance injected a burst of energy into the evening, making the audience join Umara in singing.
Sunil Edirisinghe’s “Ra Ra Ra Raa Bombiye” was the next number, conveyed a subtle yet a strong message about safeguarding local values, culture, and heritage. This resonated deeply with the Trinity College Oriental Music Society, as it is aligned in their steadfast commitment to preserving the cherished local values within the Trinity system. The powerful delivery of this memorable song by the OMS served as a strong message, not only to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka but also inspiring audiences to cherish and protect their heritage.
Intermission followed “Ra Ra Ra Raa Bombiye” and during this break, audiences were treated to a presentation detailing the remarkable journey of the Oriental Music Society of Trinity College, founded in 1986. The presentation highlighted the society’s evolution and its current standing. A significant achievement in 2022, [ the Sesquicentennial Anniversary year of the College ] showcased in the presentation was the collection of nearly Rs. 7 million by the former members of OMS in just 28 days. This substantial contribution was instrumental in relocating, refurbishing, and revitalising the Oriental music arena.
The arrival of two charming young students on the stage during the break immediately captured the attention of the audience. These two kids warmly exemplified the Trinity ethos of compassion by fervently requesting support on behalf of their less privileged brethren in needy schools. In a convincing tone they appealed for donations to purchase musical instruments for underprivileged schools in Sri Lanka. This heartwarming gesture underscored the importance of caring for one another and being sensitive to others’ needs from a very tender age and making music build bridges between various social segments.
After the intermission, an unexpected recital unfolded on the stage as the Western Music Society students sang The Lord’s Prayer in Swahili. Their aweinspiring performance, coupled with meticulously choreographed costumes, lights, and displays, added exceptional value to this stunning rendition, leaving the audience mesmerised.
The segment that followed afterwards was nothing but spectacular with the other guest artist Mihindu Ariyaratne leaving the audience captivated with his thrilling performance. Mihindu treated the crowd to an unforgettable experience as he delivered a mesmerising potion of his talents, singing all original songs that resonated deeply with the audience, especially the younger crowd. His song list comprised four original tracks: “Nàwatha oba ha sasare mathuda,” “Aadare Wenuwen,” “Mrs. Perera,” and “Maawa hadawaa andure giluna.” Each song was flawlessly executed, with electrifying performances. What truly made this segment unique was the dynamic and vibrant contribution of the National Drum and Dance Troupe of Trinity. Their energetic and synchronised dance performances, particularly during “Mrs. Perera” and “Maawa Handawa,” added an extra dose of excitement and vitality to the show. Mihindu’s cordial interaction with the audience, coupled with his heartfelt expression of affection for Trinity College as an old boy of Royal
College, created an instantaneous bond between him and the audiences. All-in-all, this segment was a true testament to the power of music and dance, in bringing delight to people and leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to be present at NICD that day.
After Mihindu’s segment, an OMS student delivered a fabulous rendition of a Hindi song, captivating the audience and leaving them humming to the tune, ensuring that no musical show would be complete without a Hindi number.
The medley of popular Sinhala Cinema songs from the evergreen 1970s by Trinity College boys and students of 02 girls’ schools, was a visual delight. The selection of songs, costumes, and dance acts were executed with remarkable precision, taste, and vibrant colors, creating a captivating display. The seamless blend of talent and enthusiasm from both the Trinity College boys and the invitee girls was evident in every note and step, creating delightful memories to cherish for a long time.
The conclusion of the show resonated with a popular song by the band Vayo. Their song, “Minimuthu Mala Palanda,” invited everyone to set aside unnecessary differences and unite as a single human society. The lyrics urged for the construction of a safer world, where humanity could flourish without fear. As the melody filled the air, it left an unforgettable memory on those present, inspiring a collective commitment to strive for a harmonious future where compassion and unity prevail over divisions, a testament to the enduring power of music as a force to preserve humanity.
The overall THEEVRA presentation was a skillful blend of artistry and aesthetics, expertly composed to perfection. The choreography, intricately designed to match the essence of each song, allowed the students to express themselves with confidence and precision. The vibrant and attractive costumes infused confidence into the performers, captivated the audience and enhanced the songs’ appeal. Lighting played a pivotal role in enhancing the ambiance of the performance and reinforcing the depth of the songs. The transitions between different lighting schemes were executed seamlessly, adding a layer of energy to the overall production. The LED backdrop display provided dynamic visual backgrounds to the songs, cementing the role of technology in the delivery of present-day aesthetics.
The Trinity oriental musical presentation of 2023 - THEEVRA was a resounding success overall, showcasing the ability of music to be a part of a child’s overall education and its ability to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds. It served as a beautiful reminder of the role the Oriental Music Society of Trinity plays withing the College framework delivering timeless aesthetic appeal, preserving the local heritage within the Trinity landscape, and bringing individuals together in harmony, transcending the boundaries that often divide us. This event will surely be remembered as a shining example of how music can foster unity, understanding, and appreciation for our shared human existence.
THEEVRA not only delivered a musical feast to the packed Kandy audience but also created new benchmarks for musical performances by schoolchildren.