Music alumnus strikes Commonwealth gold
Natasha Senanayake, an alumnus of the Department of Music, is the winner of the inaugural Commonwealth Music Competition, marking this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The competition was open to composers from Commonwealth nations aged 30 and below, and there were almost 4,000 entrants. Five finalists were then chosen, followed by an online voting campaign. The winner of the ‘people's vote’ counted as one vote in addition to a judging panel. The announcement of the winner was made at the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra Concert in Glasgow.
Natasha will receive the title of ‘Commonwealth Music Ambassador’ for 12 months, a recording contract, and her winning entry, ‘Song for the Commonwealth’, will be performed during Commonwealth Week 2015.
The composer said: ‘This song describes the coming together of nations, political and religious differences aside, for a common purpose; in this case, the Commonwealth games. The games provide a perfect avenue through which we are able to celebrate the breadth of world cultures; it is a platform for the peaceful exchange of ideas and most importantly, the exhibition of individual talent and industry. This song is written from the heart, reflecting my roots in Sri Lanka fused with my love for the West. It stands as an example of the marriage of cultures, demonstrating how love, peace, and mutual respect can be fostered through an opportunity for competition and collaboration.
‘Studying Music at King's College London gave me a deeper understanding of contemporary classical music and helped me to sharpen my skills as a composer. Dr. Rob Keeley, with whom I studied composition, taught me new approaches to music writing and techniques which I hadn't used before. These exercises helped me to open my mind to a wider range of possibilities as a creator of music. My lessons were enjoyable discussions where I was both encouraged and challenged. My experience at King's helped me to mature as a musician, composer and individual.’
Dr Keeley, who is Senior Lecturer of Composition in the Department of Music, and was Natasha’s academic supervisor during her time at King’s, said: ‘It is always good to hear of our students' successes, and I am especially pleased for Natasha with her 'Song for the Commonwealth'. She was a very popular member of the Music Department while she was with us for her MMus in Composition, and supervising her was a great pleasure. Congratulations Natasha!’
Natasha graduated with a Master of Music in Composition in January.