‘Galle Concerto 2024’: Call for Extended Stays on SL’s South Coast
‘Galle Concerto 2024’- Sri Lanka’s South Coast Festival season, six vibrant Festivals in Art, Food, Literature and Music, will come alive during the months from January to March as tourism promotional events to ’Call for Extended Stays on SL’s South Coast’
During the South Coast peak season of January through March of 2024, the ‘Galle Concerto’ series gives impetus to a symphony of heritage and contemporary festivals in art, food, literature, and music. ‘Rhythms of Paradise’, Gourmet Galle, Southern Book Fair, Galle Literary Festival, Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) and Opera at the Anantara are the six fixed programmes for the ‘Galle Concerto 2024’.
Leading Lankan and international culture makers will be headlining the events - speaking, presenting and creating on topics pertinent and inspiring to Sri Lanka and the global momentum in 2024.
The festivals are independently led, with the coming together of a ‘Concerto’ of events - organised to amplify the positive economic and touristic impact of cultural programming to host communities and the country - being conceived by President Wickremesinghe and supported by the Presidential Secretariat, SLTPB and SLTDA, and other ministries and local governmental bodies.
The full list of festivities, dates, and points for further information are listed below:
Rhythms of Paradise will be held from 12 - 14 January 2024 in Koggala. The Concerto’s opening programme will highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, maritime and natural heritage focusing on drums, dance, classical and contemporary Sri Lankan literature and biodiversity programming.
The 3-day programme includes literary explorations, interactive interludes, cultural events, cinematic chronicles, workshops, excursions and exhibitions.
The opening celebration and cultural events will be held at the Koggala Air Force Base and literary sessions will be held at the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum.
Gourmet Galle will be held from 13 January - 30 March 2024 in Galle. From January through March Gourmet Galle will curate exclusive dinners and master classes in exotic locations on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Inspired by locally sourced ingredients, it is a celebration of Sri Lanka food and tourism. Star chefs from London, New York, Sydney, Singapore include: Darina Allen, O Tama Carey, Karan Gokani, Mark Hix, Peter Kuruwita, Jeremy Lee, James Lowe, Rishi Neleendra, Hari Nayak, Nisha Parmar, J Ryall, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Mandy Yin will be in action at this programme.
Opera at the Anantara, will come alive from 19 - 21 January 2024 in Tangalle at Anantara Resort.
Nestled amid the resplendent beauty of pristine beaches at Anantara Peace Haven, the forthcoming art and music weekend promises to curate an indelible ambience of refined creativity and immersive experiences. This elevated occasion is poised to serve as a distinguished platform, harmonising the expressions of local artistes such as the Gustav Mahler orchestra and Chrisni Mendis and international musicians such as Jorge Echeagaray, Barbara Segal, and Carlos CondeGonzález showcasing their artistry and virtuosity.
Southern Book Fair will be held from 19 - 28 January 2024 in Galle. (commonwealthpublishersnetwork. com)
The inaugural Southern Book Fair marks a vibrant celebration of literature, expressing Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, nurturing the spirit of creativity and collaboration, and promoting innovation and accessibility.
Galle Literary Festival, 25 - 28 January 2024, Galle, @gallelitfest & galleliteraryfestival.com
This January the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort will once again come alive with the buzz of literary chatter. Since its launch in 2007, the Galle Literary Festival has become one of South Asia’s most anticipated arts and culture events.
Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) will come alive for the very first time from 1 - 4 February 2024 in Matara(@MataraForArts).
Matara Festival for the Arts is a coastal celebration of contemporary art and music from Sri Lanka and beyond, curated by leading contemporary artist Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe and music educator Dr. Sumudi Suraweera. The Matara Fort, the University of Ruhuna, and the Matara River Park will host exhibitions, workshops and talks, a community market, and a film screening by leading artists, notable speakers in arts and culture and over 30 local vendors and artisans. Evening parties and events extend from Hiriketiya, Madiha, to Mirissa.
Its Independence Day concert will feature 7 performers/bands - Amila Sanduruwan, Baliphonics, Orange Mango, Paloma, SDP ft. Paula, Rolex Rasathy, and The Soul, The MFA’s programming partners include National Trust Sri Lanka, the George Keyt Foundation and the Good Market.