The Old Girls of Ladies College, of all ages, shapes, sizes joined together in unity and harmonious comradeship to present ‘RHYTHM’S GONNA GET YOU’, a musical performance which was a landmark event. Performances like this do much to strengthen old friendships and build new ones as old girls of all ages were encouraged to take part, thus nurturing and showcasing their talent in the various spheres of music.
The old girls choir, orchestra, soloists and dramatists were all given an opportunity to perform in innumerable ways. The choir and orchestra began with the school hymn, followed by the choir singing a choral medley, a favourite hymn, ‘How Great Thou Art’, Abba forever, ‘Serendib’ with music and lyrics by Suresh Jayewickreme, while Kshanika Rupesinghe danced to it, also a medley of other perennial favourite songs.
Dr Prashanthi Mendis showed remarkable stage presence and talent on steel drums. An exceptional rendering of Mozart’s Ronda all turca’ by Ramya de Livera on piano, Tiani Sahabandu on violin, Surekha Amarasinghe on flute and Tamara Holsinger on the cello.
The orchestra played ‘The Skaters Waltz’, another all-time favourite and ‘Sway’. There was a jazz combo, with the exquisite voice of Sushmita Wijeratne singing with them while her sister Suhashana showed her talent on the drums. Another talented singer was Lara Modder who sang; ‘Time after time’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ an ideal theme to suit the evening.
Last, but by no means least, were Natasha Balendra and Nirupa Karunaratne, inseparables since their schooldays in fun and mischief, who performed a comic skit, ‘A real woman is whatever she wants to be’ bringing forth a lot of laughter although their families may not have been so amused! The woman behind it all was Surekha Amarasinghe talented as a singer, on the piano, flute, violin and a dedicated teacher and old girl, who planned and put together all arrangements for the show.
The proceeds of the performance will be for two worthy projects. ’The smart classroom strategy which is a milestone initiative to digitalize the school and bring it on par with international and multidisciplinary standards of education.
The other project is to propel the advancement of arts, sports and drama with the aim of ensuring the holistic development of the members of the OGA. It was a delightful evening, enjoyed to the full, by both, performers and the audience. To laugh like this is important in these days of depressing headlines!
The President of the OGA Mrs Preethi Adhihetty and her team must be congratulated for making this past year a memorable and active one.
- I.M.K.