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| Sunday, 23 October 2005 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Happenings / People Soul Sounds launch their website by Mahes Perera
Soul Sounds under the direction of Soundarie David launched their website www soulsounds.org on Wednesday October 5. The official launch was by Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao. It certainly was a red letter day for the choir and their music director who have won popularity in a short period of time not only in Sri Lanka but internationally too. Since 1996, when the choristers were part of the Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya Senior Choir, the Choir has been directed by pianist Soundarie David. Their big milestone was the participation in the International Eisteddfod Festival in Llangollen, Wales. The Choir reformed phenomenally, achieving 1st runners-up in the youth Choir category as well as the solo category which featured Dinuksha Jayawickrema. Competing against choirs form the USA, Australia, UK, Israel, Canada, Wales, they truly did themselves proud.
The choir is listed on the website British Choirs on the net, under International Choirs where they are listed with numerous other award - winning choirs.With the season almost upon us Soul sounds will be in performance for their annual Christmas Conceit with the Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ajit Abeyasekera and the Peterile Chorale. Moods of Christmas will be something to look forward to. The year 2006 will see five soloists and the Music Director in Moscow invited by Rosa Vetrov. Also the Choir will participate in the Choir Olympics in Xiaman in China in June 2006. This is going to be an unique experience for soul sounds who have grown from strength to strength . Calypso crusader A creative guitarist/ singer and a pioneer in introducing the Sri Lankan calypso band to show biz in our country. Noel Ranasinghe will be celebrating his forty second year in the career of La Ceylonians this year.
A popular radio star in the early years Noel and his La Ceylonians, earned acknowledgement and appreciation then, for bridging the gap between Sinhala and Western music with his innovative catchy calypso rhythms and his creative lyrics. The fact that he was responsible for introducing a new dress code which reflected the culture of Sri Lanka is another plus for Noel Ranasinghe. This dress code is now synonymous with calypso bands - the batik sarong and shirt, the straw hat, waist band, garlands and bare feet. What was created then for the bands, is now in vogue with the fashion conscious men. These past few years the La Ceylonians have been performing down south at many hotel chains. The recent tsunami saw the group performing for the many who were affected and even raising funds to help them tide over their woes. Noel recently received a letter of appreciation from the Queen of England for his dedicated work towards the tsunami victims. His CD 'Noel Ranasinghe with La Ceylonians' a popular compilation of sixteen of his songs and music with the fusion of latin rhythms is an ideal collectors item. Kandy Perahera has its irresistible impact, so too Sinavee Oba and Amarasa Mihiri. He may not be centre stage in today's music scene of hip-hop and fusion yet the contribution of Noel Ranasinghe to the Sri Lankan music scene was a recognised platform which saw the launch of many creative bands and musicians, who are in the limelight today. MP Munich's Oktoberfest comes to town
What started off as a festival for a royal wedding in Munich in the month of October 1811 is now a yearly festival described as Oktoberfest. The Hilton Colombo, proudly claims that their Oktoberfest is 'the only original' one which will take off on Thursday, October 27 and be on till Saturday November 5. Considered a 'trend setter' hotel, the Colombo Hilton will once again stage the Oktoberfest at the Sports Club car park under a huge marquee constructed by one of the sponsors Three Coins, exclusively for the event, with a 30 foot long bar. To make the festival more exciting will be the traditional German music played by a nine piece Bavarian band, flown down by LTU comprising wind instruments, piano accordion, guitar and vocalist. The Bavarian Band renowned for their repertoire of traditional German polkas, waltzes, marches, folk songs and dance tunes will make music lovers return to catch their artistry. Of course, quite naturally, the food spread is unimaginable with the traditional cold appetizers, salads, breads of different kinds and the hot food of the many varieties of delicious sausages, cooked in the traditional Bavarian style. Don't be left out in the cold. This Oktoberfest is sponsored by Three Coins, LTU, Keells, Coca Cola and HSBC. MP |
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