Gayathri’s ‘Freedom’ premieres by renowned UK choir

First Asian whose music premiered by Portsmouth University Choir in the UK

March 25 was a significant day for Sri Lanka’s music as Gayathri Khemadasa’s composition ‘Freedom’ was performed Portsmouth University Choir in the UK at St Mary’s Church, Portsea.

Conducted by George Burrows, Gayathri’s composition was performed along with other renowned musicians Thomas Ravencroft’s ‘to Portsmouth’, Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s ‘Bless Pair of Sirens’, Amy Beach’s ‘Peace I Leave With you’, Rebecca Clarke’s ‘Music, When Soft Voices Die’. Significantly except Gayathri all the other musicians featured were from the 16th and 19th centuries.

This was also the first time that an Asian music composer whose composition was performed at Portsmouth University Choir in the UK.

Internationally renowned for it’s music education, the university choir performed the world premiere of Gayathri’s ‘Freedom’ a choral work made based on a poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet, philosopher, and the Nobel laureate in literature.

Speaking about the inspiration to make the composition Gayathri said ‘This poem was written during India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, and it reflects Tagore’s vision of a free and enlightened society,”.

“The poem highlights the importance of freedom of thought and expression, as well as the need for unity and inclusiveness in society. Tagore argues that true freedom can only be achieved when the mind is free from fear and narrow-mindedness, and when people are able to pursue their dreams and aspirations without any hindrance,” Gayathri, the daughter of Sri Lanka’s pioneering musician Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa who made an immense contribution to music said.

“In today’s world, where we still see many examples of oppression, discrimination, and intolerance, Tagore’s message remains highly relevant. The poem reminds us that freedom is not just a political concept, but also a state of mind that allows us to embrace diversity, respect each other’s differences, and work towards a common goal.

Moreover, the poem also highlights the importance of education and enlightenment in shaping a free and progressive society. Tagore believed that education should not just be about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about cultivating a sense of morality, empathy, and social responsibility,”.

Overall, “Freedom” is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and resonate with people from all walks of life, and its message is as relevant today as it was during Tagore’s time. This is my motivation to put music to this poem,” she said.

In 2022 Gayathri won the first ever international award for a film musical score for her music direction for ‘The Newspaper’ at the Ceylon International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California, USA. The film was directed by Sarath Kothalawala and Kumara Thirimadura.

Gayathri also continues the legacy of her father, Khemadasa foundation a non-profit organisation that shares the knowledge of music.