MOZART & BRAHMS

DINUK WIJERATNE, conductor/piano

Dvořák: Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 1
Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances
Dinuk Wijeratne: Gajaga Vanama, Fantasy Variations on a Traditional Theme
Mozart: Symphony No. 31 in D major, “Paris”
Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn

Triple-threat conductor/pianist/composer Dinuk Wijeratne returns with a program full of folk inspiration and musical variation. Contrasting with Mozart and Brahms, Wijeratne’s own work is described as “a melting pot of tabla-like dance rhythms, funky jazz riffs, and tonal clusters.” In Sri Lankan culture, vannamas are often danced in ritual processions, this one depicting the majesty of the sacred elephant bathing and frolicking in the abode of the gods!