Nuwan Gunawardhana is a performer, recording artist, composer, arranger, and educator dedicated to exploring how wind instruments can be incorporated and blended with native music traditions. His work aims to create an elevated audience experience while enriching traditional music. Viewing music as both an experience and a powerful tool for delivering meaningful messages, Nuwan has made it his mission to address the unique challenges faced by horn players in Sri Lanka.
In his early years, Nuwan was exposed to a wide array of musical styles as a listener, inspiring him to take up the trombone in his high school band, where he performed classical music, brass band repertoire, and occasionally “Papara.” He later expanded his instrumental skills to include the trumpet and euphonium, performing with various professional ensembles in Sri Lanka and abroad.
As a versatile performer, Nuwan skillfully interprets diverse styles without compromising his signature sound. He is a founding member and arranger of a leading horn section in Sri Lanka and has held principal positions in major orchestras. Nuwan has been commissioned for numerous recordings and live performances, including major concerts and theater productions, and has toured extensively across the country. His collaborations span a wide range of artists and genres, contributing a distinctive voice to Sri Lanka’s vibrant music scene.
Beyond performance, Nuwan is deeply committed to innovation. He continually pushes boundaries by experimenting and discovering new musical nuances. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians and addressing the technical challenges faced by horn players in Sri Lanka remains central to his artistic and educational vision.