Gandhar III- A Musical Extravaganza
Organized by the Orchestra of S. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Kollupitiya, Gandhar III – a musical extravaganza will be held at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on Saturday 22nd October 2022 at 6.30 pm. Previously, Gandhar I and II were organized in the years 2018 and 2020 respectively and showcased the talent of our students as they dazzled on stage with their song and dance performances featuring group and individual items. This was a fusion of the east and the west that kept the audience at the edge of their seat.
The music ranges through many genres like folk, pop, jazz, and movie soundtrack music and also highlights the talent of our very own students who compose their own music and perform for the audience. Unlike a typical western orchestra, this takes a format more closely to an orchestra band rather than a symphonic orchestra, therefore encompassing and accommodating a larger variety of instruments, players, and genres ranging from western to eastern styles. Being a bonded community, S. Thomas’ Preparatory School is known to be a place where opportunities are given to every student.
This musical extravaganza is yet another place where students seized such an opportunity and discovered their hidden talents. Initially organized to celebrate the 80th year of Prep School, as it is fondly known, Gandhar I was held on the 7th of March 2018, under the guidance of the then Headmaster, Bishop Dushantha Rodrigo. This was the pilot project of the orchestra and the first time an event of this magnitude was organized with the participation of our very own students to sing, dance and perform to music through the ages showcasing items in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Guest performances were made by students of Bishop’s and Ladies’ College. Gandhar II which was staged on the 14th of February 2020, a few days prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic affecting Sri Lanka, remained etched in the minds of the audience as they were treated to a festival of music that was no doubt grand considering it comprised of students of different age groups. This second edition featured a guest performance by the dance troop of Methodist College, Kollupitiya, and was a tremendous success. Learning has been revolutionized in today’s world and students are given an opportunity to discover their talent.
When students are inspired to perform, they also broaden their horizons and are given wings to soar to great heights. With months of rehearsing and bettering themselves to reach the pinnacle of success, they display team spirit and a strong sense of self-discipline. Developing such good values in students is definitely beneficial to them and the school takes pride in doing so. Prior to this year’s edition, in order to enable the Kandyan dance troop to perform on stage during Gandhar III, a ‘Rangabisheka’ was held where the performers followed the sacred rituals that enable them to adorn their traditional costumes for the show. This year’s edition features performances by Bishop’s College and Methodist College which will add to the diverse entertainment on offer. You are invited to be a part of this musical extravaganza, so don’t miss out!
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