Thirteen Strings presents A Journey in Rhythm: Music Across

Join “exuberantly creative” (New York Times) composer-conductor-performer Dinuk Wijeratne for his highly anticipated debut with chamber orchestra Thirteen Strings at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre on Friday, February 13th at 7:30 pm for an evening that promises to transport audiences across continents and cultures.

The centerpiece of this international odyssey is Wijeratne’s electrifying Gajaga Vannama, the work that brought audiences to their feet at its 2019 Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (MCO) premiere. As the MCO noted, this “tapestry of rollicking Sri Lankan rhythms and Mozartian colour” stands as “one of Canada’s most important in recent history,” showcasing Dinuk’s remarkable ability to bridge Eastern and Western classical traditions.

Shawn Mativetsky—Canada’s leading ambassador of the tabla*—joins as special guest. Like Dinuk, Mativetsky is a pioneer in bridging Eastern and Western musical worlds, making him the perfect collaborator for Wijeratne’s exploration of cross-cultural soundscapes. Their partnership reflects Dinuk’s own love affair with the tabla, an instrument that has profoundly shaped his compositional voice.
*A tabla is a pair of hand drums from the Indian subcontinent. Since the 18th century, it has been the principal percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music, where it may be played solo, as an accompaniment with other instruments and vocals, or as a part of larger ensembles.

Curated personally by Wijeratne, the program takes you on a musical journey from the Middle Eastern rhythms of Kareem Roustom’s Dabke to the folk-inspired intricacies of Bartók’s Danses Paysanes. Along the way, discover Wijeratne’s own Two Pop Songs on Antique Poems, where ancient texts meet contemporary innovation.
Dinuk brandishes his triple-threat talents as composer, conductor, and performer, demonstrating why this JUNO-winning, pioneering artist remains one of Canada’s most sought-after classical musicians today. Thirteen Strings is delighted to have him usher in their first concert of 2026 in tandem with their 50th Anniversary season. Music students are fortunate to have him teaching at uOttawa.

Finally, in keeping with the 50th Anniversary protocol, two of Thirteen Strings own musicians, bassist John Geggie and violist David Marks, will compose the two-minute Fanfare as part of the evening’s programme.

Visit www.thirteenstrings.ca for tickets and more information.