Review of Christmas Concert presented by the students of Neluka Seneviratne on December 8 at the British School Auditorium

Christmas is for the children, with the adults providing treats for the young ones to enjoy. When, however, the children are the treat providers for the adults to enjoy, it becomes a rather special occasion, as it was recently when a group of Tiny Tots, supported by Teens and Young Adults, presented “Christmas Fantasia,” a festival of music and song at the British School Auditorium.

The auditorium was packed to the rafters with parents, families, and well-wishers come to hear and see students of Neluka Seneviratne play piano and violin, as well as sing and dance their merry way through a delightful evening’s entertainment.

The main theme was Christmas, with a string of carols, but there was great variety in a programme that also included music by Mozart, Chopin and Irving Berlin.

The performers, some as young as five years, showed talent, confidence and enthusiasm. Playing piano were Hemali Ratnaweera, Sachini Zoysa, Dilari Surasinghe, Nesangi Hemakumara, Risindu Samarakkody and Ayoush Seneviratne, among others; the violinists included Andrew Baek, Senali Hemakumara, Shyamalee Ratnaweera, and Johanna Renker. The vocal items included solos and choral works.

It was an evening of star turns. One little star to look out for in the coming years is Serika Siriwardhana, who sang “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Leaning an elbow against the piano, she matched words with actions and facial expressions, all with the poise and aplomb of an accomplished adult songstress. It was a cabaret turn in miniature – sassy and cute.

Young and older choirs made for contrast and variety. Guest singers Torque, a group of five young Old Royalists, gave the evening a true professional shine with a string of songs, including a stirring “White Christmas.”

There wasn’t a slack or weak moment throughout the well-organised two-hour show. Adding colour and spirit to the performances was a backdrop slide show with Christmas scenes to illustrate the music.

Neluka Seneviratne is a multi-talented young lady with a large family of devoted music students who clearly love and respect their teacher. She was there for them throughout, in the wings and on the stage, ready to sit at the piano and pick up a violin and show that she was an active part of the family.

“Christmas Fantasia” gave the audience that night a robust launch into the Christmas Season.