Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre | St. Benedict's College Musical Heritage

A Century of Musical Heritage: The Rodrigo–Fernando Family and St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13

From the historic College anthem of 1915 to the professional care of its pianos today — a remarkable musical legacy preserved across generations.

A Musical Relationship Rooted in History

Some relationships extend far beyond professional services. They become part of a family’s identity, passed down through generations and preserved through a shared dedication to music.

For Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre, our association with St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, is one such relationship.

Our connection with this historic educational institution reaches back more than a century, through a family lineage of musicians, teachers and piano specialists whose contributions have helped shape and preserve musical traditions in Sri Lanka.

At the centre of this story is Professor S. Norbert Rodrigo, whose composition became an enduring part of Benedictine musical identity, and his descendant, Master Ranjan Fernando, whose dedication to piano education, tuning and restoration continues that family tradition.

The Rodrigo Family: A Legacy of Musicianship

The family’s musical heritage encompasses the following distinguished names:

1. Professor William Rodrigo
2. Professor S. Norbert Rodrigo
3. Professor Gerard Rodrigo
4. Master Ranjan Fernando

Together, these musicians represent a remarkable tradition of musical knowledge, education and craftsmanship.

Their story reflects the importance of passing musical skills, artistic appreciation and professional dedication from one generation to the next.

For the Rodrigo–Fernando family, music has never been simply an occupation. It has been a lifelong commitment to teaching, performance and the preservation of musical instruments.

1915: Professor Norbert Rodrigo and the St. Benedict’s College Anthem

One of the most significant chapters in this family history began in 1915. As a young musician associated with St. Benedict’s College, S. Norbert Rodrigo composed the music for the College anthem. The anthem’s lyrics were written by C. E. M. Jayawardene, while Norbert Rodrigo’s musical composition was selected through a competition.

His achievement became part of the College’s history. More than a century later, the anthem continues to represent Benedictine pride, identity and tradition. For the Rodrigo–Fernando family, this contribution holds special significance. It represents a direct connection between their musical heritage and an institution that has educated generations of Sri Lankan students.

Master Ranjan Fernando: Continuing the Musical Tradition

The family’s dedication to music continued through Master Ranjan Fernando, founder of Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre. Established in 1986, the Centre has grown into a specialist provider of professional piano tuning, repairs, restoration, regulation, voicing and maintenance in Sri Lanka.

Master Ranjan Fernando has devoted his professional life to understanding and preserving the acoustic piano — an instrument whose intricate mechanical construction requires considerable skill, patience and experience.His work combines the musical sensitivity of a teacher with the technical expertise of a piano specialist.

The family’s longstanding association with St. Benedict’s College gives this work particular significance. Where an earlier generation contributed to the College’s musical identity through composition, Master Ranjan Fernando has continued the connection through the care and maintenance of its piano.

Generational Custodians of the Piano at St. Benedict’s College

A piano within a school is far more than an instrument. It accompanies lessons, rehearsals, assemblies, examinations and performances. Over time, it becomes part of the institution’s musical memory.

For Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre, caring for the piano at St. Benedict’s College is therefore more than a routine technical assignment.

It represents the continuation of a family relationship built on music, trust and craftsmanship.

Our role as custodians of this musical tradition reflects a commitment to preserving the instrument’s performance and character for the teachers and students who depend upon it.

From the music of the College anthem to the continuing sound of its piano, the Rodrigo–Fernando family’s heritage remains closely connected with St. Benedict’s College.

Professional Piano Tuning and Maintenance at St. Benedict’s College

Today, Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre continues to support the College through professional piano tuning, repairs and maintenance.Working alongside the College’s Head of Music, our objective is to help ensure that its piano remains musically responsive, mechanically reliable and suitable for educational use.

Our specialist expertise includes:

Precision Piano Tuning

Careful adjustment of string tension to achieve accurate pitch, tonal balance and musical harmony.

Piano Repairs and Mechanical Maintenance

Identifying and addressing mechanical issues that affect keyboard response, action performance and the instrument’s reliability.

Piano Regulation and Voicing

Refining the mechanical response and tonal character of an acoustic piano where necessary.

Preventive Piano Care

Assessing instrument condition and recommending appropriate maintenance to support longevity, particularly in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate.

These services are essential for educational institutions where pianos are used regularly by students, teachers and performers.

A well-maintained piano provides not only better sound but also a more consistent and rewarding learning experience.

Four Decades of Professional Piano Care in Sri Lanka

Since its establishment in 1986, Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre has built a reputation for specialist piano services across Sri Lanka.

Our experience includes working with educational institutions, professional musicians, hotels, private piano owners and organisations that value the sound and craftsmanship of acoustic pianos.

In 2026, we proudly mark 40 years of Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre.

This milestone celebrates four decades of professional service while recognising a family musical heritage that reaches much further into Sri Lanka’s history.

Our connection with St. Benedict’s College is among the most meaningful expressions of that heritage.

Preserving the Past, Supporting the Musicians of Tomorrow

The story of the Rodrigo–Fernando family and St. Benedict’s College is one of continuity.

In 1915, Professor Norbert Rodrigo contributed music that would become part of the College’s enduring identity.

Today, Master Ranjan Fernando’s piano care tradition helps preserve an instrument through which new generations can learn, practise and perform.

The methods and responsibilities may have changed over time, but the underlying commitment remains the same: respect for music, dedication to craftsmanship and service to future generations.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership and music department of St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, for their trust and the opportunity to continue this meaningful association.

A century of musical heritage. Four decades of professional piano care. One enduring commitment to excellence.

Ranjan Fernando Piano Centre

Excellence in Piano Care Since 1986.

Professional Piano Tuning | Piano Repairs | Piano Restoration | Piano Regulation | Piano Maintenance | Sri Lanka

Historical reference: St. Benedict’s College official website, College Crest, Flag & Anthem.

https://www.stbenedictscollege.lk/crest-flag-anthem/