Karen Usha Gray

Classical singer and musician unleashing her dulcet tones.

- Tina Edward Gunawardhana

How did your journey into music begin?

I was born and raised in Colombo. My musical journey began at 5 years old at the Mount Lavinia Methodist church where my mother was asked by my Sunday school teacher to encourage my talent of singing and performing. My first voice mentor was the late Lyle Godridge who encouraged me to take formal vocal training, which I followed through with Christine Perera. Later, as my voice matured, I joined the Mary Anne Singers and worked on productions by Andrew David, Jith Peris, Jerome De Silva and the late Rohan Joseph De Saram. My time at the Wendy Whatmore Academy of speech and drama helped too. My pre-school principal, the late Mrs. Grace Selvaraja of Tiny Tots School, Bambalapittiya played a very important part in my early years and introduced me to musical theatre and my signature song “Memory” from CATS. I continued my musical journey in Canada, where as part of my professional work in music, I conducted music programs for children and people with special needs while also making time to do what I enjoy the most – Performing!

What made you move to classical music?