A concert for reconciliation by Rukshan

Friday, 10 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sunday 19 January 2014 is a date to diarise when the Bishop’s College Auditorium will throw open its doors to an intimate evening of music as the inimitable Rukshan Perera gets ready to show off his combustible energy with a dizzying schedule for all music lovers! This concert will be in aid of Unity Mission Trust, a charity that has championed reconciliation programs for teenage children all over the country.

Cooking up a storm on guitar, piano, flute and harmonica, this multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer will showcase his original material – Rukshan’s latest composition, a tribute song to Nelson Mandela will be performed by the De Lanerolle Brothers with Choro Calibre as the backing choir to the beat of South African drum sounds. ‘What Time Is It?’, one of the favourite songs among his fans once again will be performed by Rukshan at the piano. The twelve year old twins Sarith & Surith will do their usual dynamic performance with some surprise acts with Rukshan. Every song will showcase its own style including some of his Acapella compositions by the award winning Revelations. Rukshan Perera has delighted audiences everywhere for several years with his commitment to music – in fact since the age of five, when he made his debut alongside his very musical family. The rest, as they say, is history. This will be his fourth concert since returning home to Sri Lanka from the USA – and for those of you who have yet to experience his magic, this is truly a ‘must see/must feel’ performance. Rukshan is an ultra-talented musician who has shown time and again that he can move, inspire and impact like no other! Look out for Rukshan’s now-famous jazz-scatting where he improvises with vocals (like Al Jarreau and Ella Fitzgerald) or with the guitar (in the style of George Benson). Prepare to be blown away with his unique two-part harmony whistling – another ‘Rukshan-creation’ which has now become his signature style and must be heard to be believed! It must be noted that this big-hearted and affable philanthropist’s concerts are always for charity. Since returning from the USA, Rukshan’s debut concert (Jan 2011) was in aid of ‘Samutthana’, a not-for-profit organisation which contributes to the psycho-social needs of post-war trauma. His second concert (August 2011) was for ‘Colours of Courage Trust’ focusing on building a paediatric cancer ward in Jaffna. His third and fourth (this) concert will be donated to ‘Unity Mission Trust’ committed to fostering reconciliation among the children of Sri Lanka. Rukshan Perera genuinely enjoys contributing to the groove and mood of entertainment par excellence – so be ready to be compelled to clap and to tap, to hop and to bop, and to be riveted by Rukshan’s warm, stirring renditions of his original, unique and memorable compositions. It promises to be a concert experience hitherto unmatched in Sri Lanka. See you there! Tickets are available at Park Street Mews and Commons.