Melodies of Folk 2018 to celebrate Sri Lanka’s ethnic diversity through art and music

Sevalanka Foundation Director Kaushalya Navaratne briefs the media (others from left): Sri Lanka Norway Music Cooperation Senior Advisor-Creative Director Dr. Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan, Royal Norwegian Embassy Colombo Senior Advisor, Development Malraji Wanniarachchi and Sri Lanka Norway Music Cooperation Artistic Director Dr. Sumudi Suraweera look on – Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera

By Shannon Jayawardena

Melodies of Folk 2018 which is to be held on 28 January 2018 at the Vihara Maha Devi Open Air Theatre will be bringing together folk musicians from all over the country to celebrate Sri Lanka’s ethnic diversity.

The musical series is to take place from 6:30 p.m. while the entrance is free for the general public with the ear for music and the rhythm for dance.

The event is being organised by the Sri Lankan Norway Music Cooperation (SLNMC) which is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and is implemented by the Kulturtaken, Norway and Sevalanka Foundation. The event’s official partner is the Folk Music Conservation Centre of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Melodies of Folk 2018 is the culmination of a nine year effort with the aim of fostering uniquely Sri Lankan music which is rooted from the Jaffna and Galle music festivals. The line-up of music will highlight the ethnic diversity across various groups in the country and the folk music traditions that are being forgotten at present.

Sevalanka Foundation Director Kaushalya Navaratne said: “The Jaffna and Galle Music Festivals were conceived as a vehicle to enable folk musicians to revitalise their music traditions and perform on a shared stage with international artistes, resulting in many receiving acclaim for their work.”

“Folk music refers to the music of the people. It reflects the traditions handed down from generation to generation, with some innovations to reflect the changing social contexts. For traditional folk musicians it has been a struggle to preserve their traditions and infuse their own creativities in equal measure to both honour their roots and capture the imagination of modern audiences,” she added.

Ambalangoda puppetry artist displays a preview of his act that it is to take place on the 28th

This event which will enable folk musicians to express themselves and their music in a creative manner will feature Ravibandu Drum Ensemble, Naadro, nATANDA, Baliphonics, Sandasi Drummers, Miyesi Jana Sangeetha Kandayama, Tamil Murasu and international folk sensation Chirkutt from Bangladesh.

Parallel to Melodies in Folk, ‘Music for All’ is also to take place starting at 9:30 a.m. It is a festival for both children and music loving adults. This episode will create an opportunity for the public to interact with folk musicians and enjoy the unique and cultural melodies.

The Islamic Social Heritage Cultural Association from Akkaraipathu, Portuguese Burghers from Batticaloa, The Ceylon Kaffir from Sirambiadi, Saranga Rookada Group from Ambalangoda, Parai Melam from Batticaloa, Mulaitivu Kalaimakal Kala Manram Valankum Karakaddam and Kudamothal Kummi from Mulaitivu, Sandasi Beat Drummers from Colombo and  Sulochana Dissanayke from Power of Play and Music Maters are to perform at Music for All.