The orchestra of the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo, fondly known as the “GMSC”, established in 2018, is the newest Western Classical orchestra of Sri Lanka. It is the brainchild of two musicians, Srimal Weerasinghe and Vidhurinda Samaraweera who serve as its Music Director & Chief Conductor, and Associate Chief Conductor & Principal Horn respectively. The orchestra is named the “Gustav Mahler Orchestra of Colombo” which is currently one of the largest performing ensembles in Sri Lanka.
In their short but illustrious span of 06 years in uplifting and promoting Western Classical music in Sri Lanka, they have been able to present landmark concerts within Sri Lanka. One of their most recent and monumental achievements is becoming the First-ever Sri Lankan orchestra set to tour abroad as a “Sri Lankan” orchestra in their own identity. Earlier, Sri Lankan musicians have only performed abroad either in their individual capacity or as ensembles forming part of Indian or other counterparts.
The Gustav Mahler Orchestra of Colombo is set to tour Chennai, India to perform the Indian Premiere of Haydn’s infamous Oratorio, “The Creation”. They have been invited by the prestigious Madras Guild of Performing Arts directed by Atul Isaac Jacob. Several notable soloists from the United Kingdom will be featured in the Premiere namely, Kristina Ammatil, Maximilian Catalano & Ramon Branch Biescas joined by Sangitha Santhosham. The premiere is scheduled to take place on the 5th of October at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall in Chennai, India. A Sri Lankan team comprising 40 of the best Classical musicians of Sri Lanka led by Concertmaster Shehani Fernando are set to depart for India on the 3rd of October. The Orchestra is proudly sponsored by C2S.LK and Sri Lankan Airlines for their tour in India. The event is held as a fund-raiser concert in aid of CAN-STOP, a non-profit movement that supports cancer patients in India. For tickets, please visit www.mdnd.in.
