The Chamber Music Society of Colombo is proud to present an evening of vocal and instrumental artistry on Friday, 22 August 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Goethe-Institut Hall. This much-anticipated concert marks the return of Dhilan Gnanadurai, the British-based Sri Lankan baritone, in collaboration with Johann Peiris, principal keyboardist of the CMSC.
A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Sigiri Mirror Wall, a song cycle composed by British conductor and composer Gregory Rose. Inspired by the enigmatic 8th-century graffiti inscribed on the walls of the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, this work weaves together translated verses curated by the late professor Ashley Halpé, offering a powerful meditation on Sri Lankan heritage through a contemporary musical lens.
The programme will also feature J.S. Bach’s sublime solo cantata Ich habe genug (BWV 82), a cornerstone of the sacred baritone repertoire. Rooted in profound spiritual yearning and serenity, the work is an ideal vehicle for Gnanadurai’s expressive and nuanced interpretation. Performing alongside Dhilan and Johann will be principal members of the CMSC, including the artistic director, Lakshman Joseph-de Saram.
Born in Sri Lanka, Dhilan Gnanadurai won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London at the age of 19, where he studied with Rudolf Piernay and worked with legendary figures including Thomas Allen, Sarah Walker, Roger Vignoles, and Rosalind Plowright. With degrees in both piano and voice, Dhilan has performed across Europe, Canada, India, and Sri Lanka, in opera, recital, and major oratorio roles. A Bass Layclerk at Norwich Cathedral since 2011, he features on several acclaimed recordings and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts.
Pianist Johann Peiris, one of Sri Lanka’s top-tier collaborative musicians, brings his refined artistry to this special evening, marking another milestone in the Chamber Music Society’s 2025 season.
Gregory Rose, an acclaimed conductor and composer, has regularly visited Sri Lanka since 2002, working with the CMSC, SOSL, and Camerata Musica. He has conducted major works like Verdi’s Requiem and Dido & Aeneas, and premiered several of his compositions, including Thambapanni, Clarifica me Pater, and [O Praise God in His Holiness] Psalm 150. Internationally, he has led ensembles across Europe and Asia, premiered over 1,500 works, and founded the Jupiter Orchestra & Singcircle. A prolific composer, Rose has released multiple recordings and collaborates across genres, including with Diana Ross. Since 1996, he has taught at Trinity Laban in London.
This concert is made possible through the generous support of CMSC premium partners Asia Securities, Baur & Co., and Tokyo Cement Group, with in-kind sponsorship from the Goethe-Institut Colombo, the creative partner of the CMSC.
Unreserved tickets (at a subsidised Rs. 2,500) will be available online at ticketministry.com from August 5, 2025, with all proceeds directed to the CMSC Education Fund, supporting the next generation of Sri Lankan classical musicians.
You may also like the following events from Chamber Music Society of Colombo:
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Colombo,
Music events in Colombo,
Concerts in Colombo.
