A FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE OUR MUSICAL DIVERSITY TO THE WORLD

Senses and Soul -The Colombo Music Festival’  involving musicians of Sri Lanka and guests, will be held from the 24th to the 26th of August 2012,  organised by Mantra Moods, Waters Edge, M Entertainment in association with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, supported by their partners, Headlines PR, Digital Interactive ‘230interactive’ and creative partners being Response Marketing (Pvt) Ltd thus far.

The adverse news coming out about Sri Lanka must be laid to rest. We have so much to offer; as one of the most ancient civilizations known to mankind we possess  culture, art, music, song and dance that has received worldwide acclaim. Therefore, it is time to showcase some of this on one common platform in our own country through a festival of music”, said Chairperson of Mantra Moods, Haadia Galely.  “It is our aim to promote ‘Music the Magic of South Asia’ at Senses and Soul, and exert a positive and healing influence across all communities, whether they are resident in Sri Lanka or overseas”. Ms. Galely went on to say that an invitation was being extended to each and every expatriate Sri Lankan musician as well to participate in this unique event. The organising committee which comprises members of the music and entertainment fraternity, the business community, leisure industry, as well as the media, are determined to make this event a resounding success, whilst making it a biennial feature. “The benefits of this festival are numerous and far reaching; apart from providing a platform to showcase music, it will serve to further enhance the country’s image as a quality tourist destination, whilst totally dispensing its former image as a country torn by war and ethnic conflict”, said Galely.

The festival will present a ‘Montage’ of music, comprising world (fusion), oriental, folk, choral, pop, jazz, western as well as eastern classical music.  Apart from the performances by the host of artistes who will be present for the festival; workshops, discussions, performances for aspiring artistes is on the cards. It will also include the initiation of the ‘Senses and Soul Federation of the Performing Arts’ , a regional food festival featuring the best of local cuisine around the city, sale of local handicrafts and other produce related to the festival will all be part and parcel of  ‘Senses and Soul’

“We intend to educate through music and provide not just entertainment but knowledge as well as a window of opportunity for our aspiring young musicians and professionals. “We have a wealth of talent out there and this is the perfect venue for them to unleash their potential”, said Galely. The funds generated from the Colombo Music Festival will be disbursed amongst selected charities, and towards the development of talented artistes, while the Festival itself will be governed by a set of laws which will be in the interests of musicians, as well as what they produce and perform.

“We hope that all Sri Lankan musicians, regardless of where they now reside, regardless of age, ethnicity or religion will perform together in a bid to show the world what Sri Lanka has to offer”, said Galey. The official website of the festival will be launched shortly and it is the fervent wish of the organizers that all Sri Lankans will be united through the universal language of music.

Further details can be obtained through the festival secretariat on +94777369400 between 10 am and 6 pm.