Live Recording Of Dr. Tanya Ekanayaka In Concert For The ‘Pianists Of The World’ Series In London

November 20, 2013 

A live recording of Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed concert pianist-composer (also a musicologist and linguist), Dr. Tanya Ekanayaka‘s solo piano recital on 25th October 2013 for the ‘Pianists of the World’ recital series of the world renowned concert venue, St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The series consisting of twelve recitals annually was founded by concert pianist Dame Myra Hess.

Dr. Ekanayaka’s programme included two world premierѐs comprising two of her own recent compositions, ‘Vannam (Gajaga, Hanuma, Mayura) & You’ and ‘In Lotus: Olu Pipila With Moment’ both of which evolved in 2013 as well as well-known works from the classical repertoire. Evolving spontaneously when she is at the piano, often within a few minutes, Dr. Ekanayaka’s compositions are considered to represent a new musical genre and are what serve to distinguish her recitals.

Dr. Ekanayaka is the first Sri Lankan musician to have been invited to perform in this series and this recital marks her third solo recital appearance at St. Martin-in-the-Fields and second recital in this particular series: her composition ‘Adahas: Of Wings Of Roots’ which she premierѐd at St. Martin-in-the-Fields for their ‘Pianists of the World’ series back in 2010 represents the first Sri Lankan composition to be performed at this historic concert venue. According to the concert organisers, this year Dr. Ekanayaka performed to a capacity audience of over 500 people, one of their largest audiences of the year.

F. Haydn – Sonata in D Major Hob. XVI: 37 (Allegro con brio, Largo e sostenuto, Finale. Presto ma non troppo)

L. van Beethoven – Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 ‘Für Elise’

For selected past performances, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/tanyaekanayaka
For further information about Dr. Tanya Ekanayaka, please visit: http://www.tanyaekanayaka.com/
Photograph – kind courtesy of Arun M Sundaralingam