Opera’s coolest soprano Danielle de Niese to perform in Sri Lanka for 70th anniversary of independen

By Shannon Jayawardena

Opera’s coolest soprano as named by the New York Times Danielle de Niese is to perform on 10 February 2018 at the BMICH. The event is being organised by The Colombo Cultural Hub Trust in collaboration with Dilmah.

The concert will feature de Niese and the Krasna Chamber Ensemble to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70 years of independence. The singer is to perform after five years since her first Asian debut. The event is sponsored by Dilmah, East India Holdings, Colombo Jewellery Stores, First Capital, Coffee Bean, Qatar Airlines, Leo Burnette and Jetwing Travels.

The Australian born, American singer who comes from a very musical Sri Lankan Burgher family made her first appearance in 2012 and since has travelled the world performing hit songs and music composed on her own.

After success as a young child in singing competitions in Australia, she moved to the United States where she developed an operatic career. From 2005 she came to widespread public attention with her performances as Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare at Glyndebourne, England.

De Niese was named New Artist of the Year at the 2008 ECHO Awards for her debut solo album and then went on to receive the Orphee D’Or by the Academie Du Disque Lyrique. In 2009 she was nominated for the 2009 Classical Brit Award. Last year’s performance at Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle captivated the entire audience with performances from Arias by Handel, to soaring Mozart classics, and a vibrant selection from Gershwin, Mercer and Cole Porter. Her second performance in Sri Lanka this year is yet to enthral all opera and music loving persons as she showcases her talent and expression through the art of music. Tickets and its prices are yet to be confirmed.