 by Mahes Perera
 Basking in the success of their golden Soul Sound - the young all
girl choral group returned to Sri Lanka after wowing the audience in
China with their remarkable harmony. Soul Sounds and the Shilong Chamber
Choir of India staged a joint performance at the forbidden City Concert
Hall, Beijing on June 27.
The event was hosted by the Embassies of Sri Lanka and India to
enhance the image of the two countries in China giving an added mileage
for tourist promotion between the countries. The concert was attended by
Sri Lankan Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama and Nirupama Rao - Indian
Ambassador.
The programme chosen by Soul Sounds was varied and displayed their
versatility. Their songs included O Fortuna, Agnus Dei, Pie Jesu, Song
to the Moon (a Russian song), the spiritual Ezekiel Saw the Wheel and
the gospel song Total Praise. The choirs medley of Sri Lankan Folk Music
went down well with the audience who were delighted with the
arrangements.
Included was the popular Tamil song Chinna Chinna Asai and Mignonne
Fernando’s Proud to Be Sri Lankan. The popular repertoire was somewhere
Over the Rainbow, Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway and the ballad The
Impossible Dream and The Lion Sleeps Tonight.To Soundarie David Rodrigo
the choir director must go the credit for steering the choir to the
heights they have reached.
Last year, the people of the ancient city of Graz, Austria were
treated to an extra long dose of the girls’ artistry when the choir
carried off three golds -not just one - but three at the World Choir
Games 2008. To nudge your memory Soul Sounds carried off golds in the
open categories of Gospel and Spiritual, The Popular Choral Music
Category, and the Folklore Category.
 Musical ambassadors for Sri Lanka, Soul Sounds wherever they went
touched people’s hearts and were able to spread the message of peace and
love and were confident that their music cut through all barriers.
What is wonderful about the young choir is that all members are fully
committed to their music and their performances. Soundarie David Rodrigo
is not alone in her endeavours to make Soul Sounds the No. 1 choral
group. She is supported by Neranjan de Silva - keyboards, Christopher
Prins - on drums and Jerome L. de Silva the artistic director.Prior to
going to China, Soul
Sounds was on a concert tour of the Northern Regions of France. They
performed six concerts in 10 days and received standing ovations at all
concerts. “It was truly awesome” was the forthright comment from
reviewers. |
