• Violinist and concertmaster Sanduni Vishaka Amarakoon notes need for Govt. patronage to make Western classical music a source of national income 

Even though music has always been viewed as a form of entertainment, with adequate support and appropriate reforms, it can be converted into a source of jobs for musicians and a source of income for the country. However, achieving that, among other things, requires Government support and more exposure.

According to a violinist specialising in North Indian and Western classical musical styles and a concertmaster of the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo, Sanduni Vishaka Amarakoon, a part of this journey also involves mainstreaming Western classical music among ordinary citizens, because at present, this music genre is limited to a certain group of fans. She made these remarks during an interview with The Daily Morning, where she underscored several reforms that this industry should undergo for it to improve in the Sri Lankan context.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

How did the recent socio-economic events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis affect the Western classical music industry in Sri Lanka?

They have impacted us since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially because in such circumstances, for the people, music was not a priority. When the economic crisis occurred, music was like the last thing that was on the people’s mind. So, it was like a huge attack on musicians, especially on freelance performers and members of orchestras, among others. The state of a lot of musicians went downhill. But, there is a certain class of musicians that didn’t get affected. There is a certain group in Western classical music that engages in this industry without thinking about money. However, that is not enough because we don’t want that state to be afforded by just one class of musicians.

You mentioned that when it comes to Western classical music, in many cases, it is only a certain group of people that listen to and support this music often by attending concerts. What is your opinion about the importance of bringing this genre of music closer to the ordinary people?

When we play Western classical music, we have to get the attention of the entire country. That is one of our goals at the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo. That is why we constantly conduct concerts and perform throughout the country whenever possible, and try to make these performances more affordable by ranging ticket prices from very low to high in a bid to approach the general public as much as possible. However, when looking at the history of Sri Lanka, there is no history of ordinary people listening to Western classical music, at least in the recent history from like the 1970s. We have been listening to Hindi songs and Sinhala songs that have been sung to the melodies of Hindi songs. Western classical music was limited to a certain number of people. That could however be changed if we tried to attract them to this form of music without just waiting for the people to pay attention to the same. For example, when it comes to Sinhala songs that are known as “bus songs”, people involuntarily listen to that music because it is played in buses often. As a result, they are popular and a lot of people listen to them. Western classical music could also be like that, if we made attempts to encourage people to listen to that music, and someday, people might automatically listen to that music because they are familiar with the melodies.

In your opinion, what are the main challenges faced by this music industry?

The main problem faced by this industry and musicians in Sri Lanka is that there is no proper support from the Government. The support is at a very low level, especially when compared with other genres of music. Most of the musicians in the industry have to come to the place where they are today by their own efforts. No one is funding them. The lack of Government support is a huge challenge. The Government seems to think that music is just a hobby meant to pass time and that is not something in which a person can develop skills. Another concern is that in Sri Lanka, people don’t tend to listen to music but rather songs. So, people like us, instrument players, get ignored. There are many singers, both amateurs and professionals, that are close to the society because people focus on listening to words. Musicians of an orchestra don’t provide words to the people in the same manner but a feeling, resulting in them being understood as not giving any meaning through their work. Most people are just attached to the words of a song, and cannot therefore just enjoy a melody.

Do you think that there is a suitable environment in Sri Lanka for a person to be a professional musician who makes a living off of their musical work?

It is still very difficult to do only music and make a living, especially because it is not seen as a proper job yet. Even though there are music teachers and music lecturers at universities, the wages that they get is very limited. There are freelance performers who play at weddings, hotels, and such events. But, those are not fixed, and sometimes, those are not done as jobs aimed at making money. Therefore, it is very difficult to be a professional and pursue a career in this industry in Sri Lanka.

Female representation compared to males in various industries is a common concern. Do you think that in your industry, there is satisfactory female representation, or a climate that welcomes females who want to join the industry?

When we look at sectors such as banks or supermarkets, there are many females in those sectors. However, when it comes to the music industry, female representation seems to be dominated by male representation. There have been occasions where I was the only female in an orchestra. So, there is a lack of female representation in the music industry. By the 21st century, it began to improve, and now, there are many girls who are interested in pursuing a career in music. There are many violinists and pianists that are emerging in society. However, it is definitely a very low percentage compared to the situation in other jobs.

You mentioned that this industry receives limited and inadequate support. What are the kinds of support that this industry requires?

As far as training is concerned, I think that Sri Lanka is in an average state. Compared to other countries, in the genre of Western classical music, we can call ourselves amateur. The support that we need can be provided by the Government, if they really put their mind to it and help us. In fact, music can be a very good opportunity for a country to attract tourists too, and when it comes to the economy, it can help make a really good income. In other countries, music is utilised in a really effective manner, without limiting it as something that is done just for fun. I think that if the Government and other private sector parties could support us, including by funding, we could contribute to the country without hiding.