Khemadasa’s daughter arranges choral musical in British church
by Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
Award-winning music composer Gayathri Khemadasa, the daughter of the renowned Premasiri Khemadasa, is arranging the music for “A Song for Eve,” by Scottish poet Anne Hunter, for Haydn’s ‘Creation’. This rendition will be performed on May 12 at St. Mary’s Church in Portsmouth.
In an interview with Sunday Island, Ms. Khemadasa, personally and on behalf of Sri Lanka, expressed her sense of honour at being chosen for this task and extended an invitation to Lankans in the UK to be present on this occasion.
The upcoming performance promises a completely re-imagined edition of ‘Creation’ tailored to complement Hunter’s evocative poetry. The 80-voice church choir will be augmented by University of Portsmouth choir alumni. This performance culminates a meticulous practice research project harmonizing Hunter’s verses with Haydn’s timeless composition.
Celebrating 20 years of Professor George Burrows’ directorship, this special rendition of ‘Creation’ will be accompanied by the Havant Symphony Orchestra. Professor Burrows, the conductor of the event said, “The concert at St Mary’s Church in Portsmouth on Sunday, May 12 features a very special version of ‘The Creation’ by Joseph Haydn with alternative words by Anne Hunter, a poet familiar with Haydn.”
Burrows noted, “Hunter added a new ‘Song for Eve,’ and Gayathri Khemadasa has provided music that was otherwise missing. She not only gives Eve an independent voice but also conjures a magical atmosphere, drawing on rag, to depict Adam’s soothing words echoing around Eden.”
‘The Creation,’ long hailed as one of the pinnacle achievements in choral music, has its origins in Haydn’s experience witnessing Handel’s Messiah in 1794. Inspired by this encounter, Haydn embarked on a creative journey. Hunter’s words have been set to this music. Despite initial challenges with the English adaptation, Hunter’s libretto, discovered in 1993, emerged as a testament to much hard work.
The forthcoming performance stands as a testament to the enduring power of artistic collaboration and innovation, promising audiences an unforgettable fusion of poetry and melody.
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