‘Spice Route Concert’ to mark 400 years of Sri Lanka-Dutch relations 
[February 22, 2002 - 11.30 GMT]

The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka and the visiting Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam will join together to play as one orchestra at ‘Spice Route Concert’ at Hotel Galle Face today as Sri Lanka and the Netherlands celebrate 400 years of relations between the two countries.

The first Dutch messenger arrived in Sri Lanka in 1602. Sri Lanka became a colony under Dutch power in 1638.

Jean de Croos the famous cellist from Amsterdam will be the soloist in today’s concert.

The concert will open with two motets by the great Dutch composer Sweelinck written around 1602.

Speaking to the PRIU, Jean Decroos said that he was still in possession of Sri Lankan souvenirs, which he had taken with him when he first visited the country in 1975.

“The atmosphere is the same as in 1975. I would love to come to Sri Lanka as much as I can”, the delighted cellist said.

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Last Updated Date: February 22, 2002  - 11.30 GMT.