YESTERDAY TODAY TOMORROW Pandit Amaradeva Live in Concert and felicitation on dec. 5 at Nelum Pokuna
Music Maestro Pandit W. D. Amaradeva will receive the biggest birthday gift on December 5 when he celebrates his 85th birthday at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapkasa Performing ArtsTheatre where the ‘Amaradeva Live in Concert’ – Yesterday,Today andTomorrow - will be held coinciding with a grand felicitation programme organized by Star Events.
Pandit W.D.Amaradeva will use the platform singing live at show to pay his gratitude to the nation with the language he knows best – MUSIC.
The memorable event to appreciate Pandit Amaradeva’s yeoman services to the local music arena has been organized by Star Events headed by Sudharma Nethikumara in consultation with MCNS Director General Lakshman Hulugalle who is known for his efforts in preserving and encouraging local artistes and talent.
“The day I saw the massive feedback I got when Sonu Nigam took to the stage recent- ly in Colombo,I was overwhelmed by pride for being able to organize such a show.
But I decided on that day that I would someday pay a bigger homage to our country’s biggest music icon Pandit W. D. Amaradeva.
He has been my most favourite singer and he has held Peduru parties in our home too. But I wanted to make this event a huge success and transform it into a national occasion. I told my idea to MCNS Chief Lakshman Hulugalle seeking his help to get state patronage to the event.
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Being a passionate lover of arts, he never hesitated to oblige. And today this show has become a reality thanks to his precious advice and guidance. After all, he is a producer of awardwinning tele dramas too and a great promoter of arts,” said Sudharma recalling the meeting he had with Pandit W. D. Amaradeva to break this news.
“He was overwhelmed with the idea because it coincided with his 85th birthday and that of his wife Wimala. He sang a few songs too that day and proved beyond doubt that he is still the grand singer we have always known. I am one of the most happiest persons today and I am proud about this achievement. Rohana Weerasinghe will provide the music orchestration, Jackson Anthony will be the compere, Channa Wijewardana will be the choreographer while singers who sang duets with Pandit Amaradeva will sing with him live at the show.This is not a profit-making venture. It is a highly costly show involving heavy expenses, but we have about three sponsors. Though it’s basically held for invitees, we have decided to have some limited tickets available for those who want to witness this historic moment and pay homage to our biggest music genius. We are also planning to make a significant cash donation to Pandit Amaradeva on the day of the show,” said Sudharma.
His evergreen songs like Ira Handa Payana Loke, Rathna Deepa Janma Bhoomi, Sasara WasanaThuru, Swarnamaliye, Bamaraku Awai,Adawan Woo Denethin, Pera Dinayaka Ma Pem Kala, Heena Hathak Meda, Mala Hiru Basina, Sannalaiyane, Mindada Hee Sara, MahaWessaka, Paloswaka Sanda and hundreds of other hits will always remain masterpieces in Sri Lankan music – just like the man who produced those creations - making him the biggest music giant forever –Yesterday,Today andTomorrow.