The flamboyant annual music bash of the orchestra of Nalanda College, Colombo, Geethma 2019 was held recently at the College premises. The talent show first initiated in 2013 is a biennial concert which has now turned into a much-awaited day on the school calendar.
It has been a platform for more than 1,500 Nalandians to showcase their talents in dancing, singing and playing musical instruments. It has captured the attention of parents, teachers and other schools’ student communities.
This year’s concert made history as the first talent show at the re-built Malalasekera Hall of the College. Malalasekara Hall, an asset to Nalandians over the years, was destroyed by a fire 13 years ago.Principal Thilak Wattuewa initiated its re-construction with the support of the Sri Lanka Airforce recently.
Geethma 2019 was a collective effort of students from Grades 3 to grades 13. Nalanda’s music guru, veteran musician Jayantha Dissanayake conducted the show. The College orchestra consisted of 70 students belonging to various grades.
In addition to musical performances, drama items were presented by students of the college drama group captivated the attention of the audience. Especially the segment where boys dressed as girls performed and captivated the audience.
After the intermission, Dissanayake handed over the baton to Oshanath Rajawasam, a senior student of the orchestra, who did a great job.
Geethma2019 was not just another musical evening but a presentation of hard work, dedication and most importantly continuous practice. The show of talent, aesthetic skills and discipline of the young Nalandians was graced by the presence of Chief Guests Veteran Musician Nawarathne Gamage and Senior Lecturer in Music, University of Kelaniya, Sangeeth Nipun Prof Asitha Atapattu.
“We would like to say that Nalanda College has the best school orchestra in the Colombo Region. We did not find any errors in your presentation. We are amazed by your talents,” they said. They also thanked Jayantha Dissanayake, the man behind the show. Old Nalandian and expert in the field of sound control and lighting, Sajith Kodikara assisted in the production. - R.J.A.
