A “Pradeepanjalee” concert by Pradeep Ratnayake and his troupe held at the prestigious Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria on 2nd February 2011 received standing ovation from a well attended audience of music enthusiasts.
The concert was well attended by Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Community, representatives of the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, Austrian officials, Artists, music lovers, members of the Sri Lanka community and well wishers.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr. Musthafa Jaffeer noted that the concert was to promote greater people to people contact and cultural exchanges between Austria and Sri Lanka and showcase some of Sri Lanka’s innovative and rich musicians, and share some of the rhythms of Sri Lankan music in the world’s music capital Vienna.
Pradeep Ratnayake, renown composer and performer on the Sitar accompanied by prominent musicians - violinist, Lakshman Joseph de Saram; percussionist, Karunaratne Bandara; bass guitarist, Alston Joachim; and tabla player Chandralal Amarakoon delighted and amazed the packed audience. The performance with pieces such as Kuweni, Roots, Flight of the Hawk, A Joyous Moment, Spring, Wind and Stallions enthralled the audience with rich sounds and fusion of Sri Lanka folk music, jazz and western classical music.
The concert was followed by a reception where invitees had an opportunity to meet the visiting Sri Lankan artists. The concert was sponsored by Bank Austria, Sri Lanka Tourism, Bank of Ceylon Travels, and Colombo Hoppers Restaurant.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Vienna, Austria.
3 February 2011
