Japan - Sri Lanka Cultural Interactions in Jaffna and Colombo to promote heartfelt relationship

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Japan together with the Japan Foundation and the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka will present a series of JapanSri Lanka cultural interactions in Colombo and Jaffna as a fitting conclusion to the commemorative 60th anniversary this year.

The cultural events, particularly in Jaffna are of historical importance as this would be the first time that the Embassy of Japan has organized cultural events in Jaffna and the first ever public performance of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka in Jaffna.

The following cultural events will be held in Colombo and Jaffna in November and December:

“PREMIÈRES CONCERT”

of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka conducted by Ms. Keiko Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese Guest Conductor, on 10th November 2012 at the Ladies' College Hall, Colombo –also featuring Mr. Eiji Suzuki, an internationally acclaimed Japanese composer who will showcase his World Première performance compositions in person inspired by Sinhala and Tamil folk tunes. Dr. Tanya Ekanayaka, one of Sri Lanka's most distinguished and internationally acclaimed classical pianists will be the soloist.

SCREENING OF A JAPANESE FILM “WANKO - THE STORY OF ME, MY FAMILY AND D MY DOG”

on 16th November 2012 at the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna. This is a miraculous story of friendship and the indelible bond between a dog, a boy and his family based on true events of a family torn apart by an unimaginable natural disaster.

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT

by the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka conducted by Ms. Keiko Kobayashi on 17th November at the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna- also featuring Mr. Eiji Suzuki.

RANDOOGA WORKSHOPS AND JAZZ CONCERTS

The Randooga Workshop introduces the method created by Masahiko Satoh to use improvisation as the way of nonverbal communication to enhance dialogue with oneself and between people. Workshop on 27th, 28th, 29th and Study Concert on 29th November (venue to be notified) in Jaffna Workshop on 26th November (venue to be ntofied) in Colombo Special Concert of improvisation of jazz piano by Masahiko Satoh and sitar by Pradeep Ratnayake with his friends on 2nd December at Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo The Randooga Workshop features Japanese master of jazz piano and founder of the Randooga Method, Masahiko Satoh, and renowned Sri Lankan Sitarist Pradeep Ratnayake in a unique joint musical performance that is also spontaneous and improvised. Kei Wada (percussionist), Akiko Uesugi (singer), Isaac Smith (bassist) and others will join the duo in Colombo and Jaffna.

AUN & HIDE MUSICAL CONCERT

at the National Youth Service Council (NYSC), Maharagama on 7th December and at the Hotel School Auditorium, Colombo on 8th December, featuring three talented Japanese artists playing traditional Japanese musical instruments such as Taiko (drums), Shamisen (Japanese guitar), fue (Japanese flute) and Japanese traditional percussion presenting a mix of classics, semi-classics and modern music. The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka has been engaged in several musical exchanges with Japan over the years starting with their performance at the Asia Orchestra Week in Japan in 2007, on the invitation of the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras and the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The Japan Foundation has been sponsoring annual concerts of the Orchestra since 2008.

The Embassy of Japan considers these major cultural events in Colombo and Jaffna as part of Japan's support towards the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to promote national reconciliation and harmony and also a true expression of the warm friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka and an excellent medium to mark such an important milestone in our friendly ties.