The incomparable Shani Diluka returns to Sri Lanka for a much-anticipated performance, this time bringing to life one of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire—Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. The concert, presented by the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL), will take place on 1st March 2025, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Over the years, Sri Lankan audiences have been captivated by her remarkable artistry, and this concert promises yet another unforgettable evening of musical brilliance.

Grieg’s Piano Concerto, an enduring masterpiece, has garnered high praise from composers such as Tchaikovsky and Liszt. From its bold and dramatic opening chords to its soaring, lyrical themes and dazzling virtuosic passages, the concerto is a vibrant showcase of passion, Norwegian folk influences, and breathtaking pianistic flair. Shani Diluka, celebrated worldwide for her poetic and soulful interpretations, is certain to bring fresh inspiration and deep emotion to this evocative work. Described as “a magical pianist, poetic and soulful,” she has dazzled audiences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas with her distinctive blend of technical mastery and heartfelt expressiveness.

The SOSL’s resident conductor, Dushyanthi Perera, will direct the SOSL in this season-opening concert of masterworks from the Romantic Era.

Along with Grieg’s concerto, the evening’s programme includes Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, commonly known as the “Italian.” Mendelssohn himself described this radiant symphony as “Blue Sky in A Major,” capturing the warmth and exuberance of his travels through Italy. The work’s infectious energy, lyrical melodies, and buoyant rhythms make it the nearest thing to Mediterranean sunshine captured in music one might find. Writing to his sister, the composer referred to it as “the happiest piece I have written.”

The concert will open with the lively and theatrical overture to Jacques Offenbach’s operetta Orpheus in the Underworld. Best known for its vivacious Can-Can finale, this overture is a delightful blend of lyrical melodies and spirited orchestral flourishes, setting the stage for an evening of musical excitement.

Shani Diluka in Concert, is sponsored by the TV Rodrigo Trust, with the support of the Embassy of France. The Wijeya Group and the Maharaja Group serve as print media and electronic media sponsors, respectively.

Deck the Halls, don your reindeer antlers and watch out for caroling angels – the Christmas season is upon us once again, and with it one of the season’s most anticipated events: the Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert.

Directed by Dushy Perera, the SOSL will perform a fabulous programme that will feature light classical, jazz and contemporary music that will be at once familiar and interestingly different! Programme highlights include the spooky and atmospheric music of Danny Elfman’s "Nightmare Before Christmas" suite, the whirling "Mazurka" from Delibes’ “Coppelia,” and Robert Sheldon’s charming and nostalgic medley of Christmas classics “A Most Wonderful Christmas.”

Joining the SOSL are two of Sri Lanka’s most talented singers, who have thrilled SOSL audiences on numerous occasions – Dinushka Jayawickreme and Shehara Liyanage. They will perform a selection of songs both secular and sacred, ranging from the beloved "O Holy Night", to jazz favourites like "Don’t Rain on My Parade" and "You’re a Mean One" from the Grinch who Stole Christmas, to amazingly beautiful duets like “The Prayer” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

Tickets will be available from MyTickets.lk from November 28th. Do not miss out on this exhilarating experience.

Carl Maria von Weber

“Der Freischütz” Overture

Clarinet Concert No.2 in E-flat, Op.74
Soloist: Dr. Jonathan Guist

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18
Soloist: Dhiren Fernando

Franz Von Suppe: Light Cavalry Overture

Lalanath de Silva: Cello Concerto (world premiere)

Johannes Brahms: Symphony No 1 in C minor, Op.68

Shannon Jacob: "Motherlands: Belonging"

Emilie Mayer: Symphony No. 1 in C minor

Clara Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.7

The immensely popular "SOSL POPS" concert will take place on September 2nd and 3rd at the Ladies’ College Hall. This year’s exciting programme features medleys from much-loved Broadway hits like Evita, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, as well as Disney classics such as the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Pirates of the Caribbean. You will also hear the dramatic themes from movies like Gladiator, The Dark Knight Rises and 007’s iconic song “Skyfall.” There is even a little bit of Queen on the cards, to keep the show rocking. The SOSL will be directed by Nishantha Warnakulasuriya in a programme that will appeal to all.

The Ladies' College (LC) Choirs will collaborate with the orchestra in some medleys, whilst LC past pupils Melanie Bibile and Dinushka Jayawickreme will feature as soloists along with the well-known "CC " Chrisantha De Silva. Proceeds of this concert will go towards the refurbishment of the Ladies College Hall; the first concert hall to be built in Sri Lanka, which is known for its excellent acoustics. It has been the venue for SOSL performances for decades—ever since its inception—and has been the stage upon which numerous renowned artistes have performed for Sri Lankan audiences.

SOSL POPS is a concert not to be missed, so save that date!

Box Plan and tickets available at Ladies College.

Debussy - Claire De Lune, L'isle Joyeuse

Grieg - Lyric Pieces

Dvorak - "Dumky" Trio

Schumann - Phantasiestucke

Piazzolla - Le Grand Tango

Ludwig Van Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 (Emperor)
Egmont Overture. Op. 84
Franz Schubert, Symphony No. 8, D. 759 (Unfinished)

Piano Trio No. 1 in G minor by Clara Schumann

Piano Trio No.1 in D minor by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel

3 Morceaux, Op.31 for violin and piano by Cecile Chaminade

Romance for Flute and piano by Amy Beach

PLEASE NOTE THAT TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE FROM 28TH NOVEMBER 2022 ONWARDS AT THE BISHOPS COLLEGE AUDITORIUM 

C. M. Von Weber: Flute Trio, Op. 63

Carl Maria Von Weber wrote his Flute Trio in G minor between 1818 and 1819.iThe 4-movement piece is extremely appealing: often extremely buoyant and optimistic, yet not lacking lyricism, drama and melody. The flute and cello complement each other very well, creating very pleasing sonorities. This work will be performed by Shashini Pandithasundera (piano) Anouk Obeyesekere (Flute) and Amani Tissera (cello).

Clara Schumann: Piano Trio, Op. 17

Virtuoso pianist Clara Schumann was an extremely talented composer in her own right, Her Piano trio in G minor was written in 1846—the only piano trio she wrote—and is considered one of her greatest works. Bringing this masterpiece of Romantic music alive on the 19^th are Shashini Pandithasundera (piano) Lydia Goonetilleke-Jayamanne  (violin) and Nilupul Silva (cello).

W. A. Mozart: String Quartet No.4 in C, K 157

Mozart’s String Quartet No 4 in C major, is one of the six “Milanese” string quartets. It is an early work; simple yet full of charm, each instrument clearly heard in beautiful quartet texture. This work will be performed by Zainamb Wahid (violin), Shehani Fernando (violin), Rusari Jayasuriya (viola) and Tikirimali Wickramasinghe (cello).

J. S. Bach: Air on the G String from Orch. Suite No. 3

A more unusual grouping will perform an arrangement of J.S. Bach’s ‘Air’ from Orchestral Suite No. 3, commonly known as “Air on the G String.” This particular arrangement is for cello ensemble and double bass. Performing this work are cellists Amani Tissera, Shanilka Kannangara, Karryn Perera, Tikirimali Wickramasinghe, Thosindu Wijesuriya, Nilupul Silva, Binaramali Wickramasinghe, Randal Pak and Andrea Leitan (Double bass).

Sergei Rachmaninov: Trio Elegiaque No. 1 in G Minor

W. A. Mozart: Piano Quartet No.1 in G Minor K. 478

David Popper: Requiem for 3 Cellos and Piano Op. 66

Frank Bridge: Phantasie Piano Trio in C Minor H. 79

Beethoven Symphony No. 6

Smetana: Moldau/Vltava

Luigini: Ballet Egyptienne Suite 1

Piano Sonata No 30 OP 109

Violin Sonata No 5 OP 24 "Spring"

Trio No.4 In B Flat , OP 11 "Gassenhauer"

S. Barber : Adagio

W. A. Mozart : Symphony No.40

F. Schubert : Rosamunde Overture

A. Dvorak : Slavonic Dances 1, 2 & 3

L. Van Beethoven - Egmont Overture

L. Van Beethoven - Choral Fantasia in C Minor

F. Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 3 "Scottish"

F. Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, OP. 21

L. Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"