Draft:Tharupathi Munasinghe

Tharupathi Munasinghe is a Sri Lankan composer, music director, sound ethnographer, and academic.

He has worked in cinema, stage plays, and television series, focusing on Sri Lankan culture and traditions. Some of his compositions include "Saho" (2023), "Wala Patala" (2007), "Dedunu Wessa" (2005), "Amawaka (Penumbra)," and "Machan" (2006). He has also composed music for the television series "Angali Salakuna" and the stage play "Maha Supina." Munasinghe has received awards for his work in music and sound design.

Munasinghe holds a PhD and conducts academic research in sound ethnography, sound studies, and ethnomusicology.

Early years
Tharupathi Munasinghe's musical journey began under the guidance of his father, Austin Munasinghe, who was a famous composer. Exposed to music from a young age, Munasinghe's early development was shaped by his involvement in his father's orchestra. He developed his skills in composition and orchestration while participating in music competitions and pursuing formal musical education.

Early education and musical influences
Tharupathi Munasinghe's early exposure to music was influenced by his family background. His father, Austin Munasinghe, a prominent Sri Lankan music composer, and his mother, Achirawathie Yalagama, a music teacher, played significant roles in his musical upbringing.

From a young age, Tharupathi actively participated in his father's orchestra, where he gained practical experience in composition and orchestration. He also engaged in various music competitions and received formal training in musical techniques.

In 1996, Tharupathi joined Professor Sarachchandra's theater group, taking on roles as a chorus member and music conductor in productions like 'Maname,' 'Sinhabahu,' 'Mahasara,' and 'Rathnawalee.'

His early achievements include winning the Best Music Award for his work on the play 'Arundathi' at the State Drama Festival in 2000, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Tharupathi was also recognized at the Youth Theatre Festival in 1999, where his musical contributions to 'Arundathi' earned him another Best Music Award.

Music composition and direction
Tharupathi Munasinghe has contributed to music composition and direction across various entertainment platforms, including theater, cinema, and television. In cinema, he has composed musical scores for several films, such as Wala Patala, Machan, and Sikuru Hathe. In television he had contributed for drama series including Sakisanda Eliyas, Sabanda Pubilis, Depath Nai, and Isuru Yogaya.

Sound design and academic pursuits
Tharupathi Munasinghe has contributed to sound design, particularly in the fields of cinema and theater. He had served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya. He had completed his Ph.D. at Deakin University, Australia, under the guidance of Professor Rohan Bastin. His Ph.D. research was focused on the Sri Lankan low-country drum and its role in diverse performing contexts.

Research and publications
Tharupathi Munasinghe's research encompasses diverse areas within music, sound studies, and ethnomusicology. His primary focus is on low-country drumming in Sri Lanka and its cultural significance. Additionally, he investigates the application of sound design in cinema and its impact on storytelling in visual media.

His research primarily covers two main areas:

1. Sound Design: The evolving trends in sound design and its impact on enhancing storytelling in visual media. His research highlights how sound design can create immersive experiences for viewers, making narratives more engaging.

2. Ethnomusicology: Conducts investigations into the memories and experiences of Sri Lankan migrants in Melbourne, with a specific focus on how music serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.

Tharupathi Munasinghe's research findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Some of his publications include:


 * New Paradigms in Sound Design: an Effective Medium for Storytelling in Visual Media (2017): Published in "Prabha," Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. This paper discusses the changing landscape of sound design in visual media and its potential as a potent storytelling tool.
 * Audio Design: Creating Multi-Sensory Images for the Mind (2016): Published in "Roopavahini Sameeksha." This work explores the creation of sensory-rich experiences through audio design, offering insights into its artistic and emotional impact.
 * Aural Mementoes: Memories of Sri Lankan Migrants in Melbourne (2016): Published in the "Journal of Aesthetics and Fine Arts." Tharupathi's research in this paper explores how music acts as a vessel for memories and cultural connections among Sri Lankan migrants in Melbourne.

Family
Tharupathi Munasinghe is married to Gayani Gisanthika, an actress. They have two sons.

Books

 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2020). "Sound in Cinema (Shabdika Cinemawa - ශාබ්දික සිනමාව)." Sarasavi Publishers. ISBN 978-955-2046-5 (Sinhalese Medium).
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2018). "Trends in Sinhalese Theatre Music 1956-1996." - සිංහල නාට්‍ය සංගීතයේ ප්‍රවණතා 1956-1996, Sarasavi Publishers. ISBN 979-0-710009-06-6 (Sinhala Medium).
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2017). "Discussions on Sound (Nada sankathana - නාද සංකථන - Sinhala Medium)." ISBN 978-955-38486-0-4.
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2017). "Sound Studies: With Special Reference to Sri Lankan Sonic Experience." Bloomberg Publishing, Australia. ISBN 978-955-38486-1-1 (Sinhala Medium).
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2016). "The Birthday Party (Godura) Translation." Bloomberg Publishing, Australia. Drama. ISBN 978-955-44850-9-9 (Sinhala Medium).
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2013). "Party Time (Sadaya) සාදය, Translation." FAST Publishing Private Limited, Sri Lanka. Drama. ISBN 978-955-448- 508-2 (Sinhala Medium).
 * Munasinghe, Tharupathi. (2000). "The Evolution of Sinhala Theatre Music, 1956 - 1974." සිංහල නාට්‍ය සංගීතයේ විකාසය 1956-1974, FAST Publishing Private Limited, Sri Lanka. ISBN 978-955-677-001-08 (Two editions published in 2000 and 2010).