Oozing with talent…and doing it with Mantra

What makes 23-year-old Hiruni Virginia Fernando extra special is that she is the founder, and leader, of the all-girl group Mantra – featured in Star Track’ of The Island of Tuesday, 06 June. She is a multi-instrumentalist, has her own Music Academy, called Amazing Music World, has performed, in the past, with various bands, and is currently attached to St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo 06, as their Western Music Teacher.

Extremely talented, indeed, and, this is how my Chit-Chat with Hiruni went…

1. How would you describe yourself?

Well, I would say I’m a motivated and ambitious individual who strives for excellence in both my personal and professional life.

2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Cultivate more self-confidence that would enable me to have a strong belief in my abilities.

3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

Absolutely nothing .Actually I’m a very lucky girl to have a blessed family.

4. School?

I studied at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, Colombo 13. I was a member of the school western band and I also played bass guitar for the school orchestra. In addition, I won the Best Music Director award 2019 at the All Island Drama Competition, organized by the Cultural Affairs Ministry and the Tower Hall Theatre.

5. Happiest moment?

Let’s say one of the happiest moments in my life was when I found the members for my all-girl group.

6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I would say inner peace, joy and harmony, in both personal and external aspects. It can vary, and subjective, from person to person.

7. Are you religious?

Yes. I’m Roman Catholic. I believe in God and I have experienced God blessings in my life.

8. Are you superstitious?

No, I’m not. My opinion is if we work hard we can achieve our goals, or else, there is no way.

9. Your ideal guy?

Someone who is trustworthy, reliable and respects my boundaries and values my opinions.

10. Which living person do you most admire?

Multi-instrumentalist Hiruni Virginia Fernando

My mother and father, of course. They have consistently shown me unconditional love and support throughout my life. They have been there for me during the good times, and challenging times, offering guidance, encouragement and reassurance. Incidentally, my father, Ruwan Fernando, is a guitar instructor, who earlier worked at Yamaha Music School.

11. Which is your most treasured possession?

My musical instruments. When I’m with these musical instruments, I feel relax. Playing a musical instrument can serve as a form of therapy, allowing individuals to release stress, express feelings, and find solace during challenging times. It can be a source of comfort, joy, and a means to process and cope with emotions.

12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?

My brother. Being with a family member can create a sense of familiarity and trust which can be crucial in maintaining morale and making important decisions.

13. Your most embarrassing moment?

When I tripped and fall flat on my face in the middle of a crowded hallway, at school.

14. Done anything daring?

In 2015, I got dengue fever, one week before my school orchestra concert. I was the bass guitarist. I left hospital a day before the concert, but doctors didn’t give me permission to go for the concert. But…yes, I did something daring – I went for the concert!

15. Your ideal vacation?

Sri Lanka’s natural beauty truly captivated me. The emerald tea plantations, in Nuwara Eliya, painted a picturesque landscape, and I delighted in the aroma of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. The misty mountains of Ella unveiled awe-inspiring views, and hiking through the lush greenery left me in awe of nature’s wonders. Discovering the diverse wildlife in Yala National Park, from elephants to leopards, added a touch of adventure to my vacation. And, that is, I would say, is my kind of vacation.

16. What kind of music are you into?

Rock and pop, classical and jazz. As a bass guitarist, I love to play and listen to rock and pop and jazz. As a pianist, I love to play and listen to classical music.

17. Favourite radio station?

Gold FM because I love listening to those golden oldies…songs of the ’60s and ’70s.

18. Favourite TV station?

Because of my work schedule, I hardly have time to watch TV.

19. What would you like to be born as in your next life?

A musician, all over again, as I love to be with musical instruments.

20. Any major plans for the future?

I’m determined to elevate my band Mantra to new heights and achieve a higher level of success. I also have an idea of going abroad to study music and work with international musicians. And I plan to work hard in order to reach my goals.