Celebrating their sound

The Revelations, was founded in 1994 when a group of Old Boys of S.Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia staged Kaleidoscope – a male voice musical extravaganza, and since then they have had a number of truly amazing performances, the latest being held last year, titled, Unfinished Business.

This month, The Revelations are back to give you Sound Celebration, which, just like their previous performances is bound to be an evening of music and singing, not to be missed because they are a blend of voices which will undoubtedly leave you wanting more and more...

Having had success at the 1st Asian Choir Games in Jakarta Indonesia in November 2007 by being Gold Medal winner of the Gospel and Spiritual Category and awarded the title Champions of the Category, the Silver Medal in the Sacred Music Category and Champion of the Asian Open in the Male Vocal Ensemble, the Choir Games this year, seems quite fitting to participate in.

And in fact, they need to raise about 3.6 million rupees to participate in the Choir Games in Graz, Austria, which will be held from July 9 to 19, 2008. "This month's performance will be our largest fund raiser ever, since the Asian Choir Games in Jakarta, last year," said Ishan de Lanerolle, President of The Revelations.

This time around, what will be different will be the other artistes who will also take the stage with them, the artistes being the popular Bhathiya and Santhush, Ricky Baha and Shanelle Fernando, Natasha Fernando, Nalin of the Marians, Damien and The Revelations Academy thus promising to be a show of variety. And if in case you were wondering who The Revelations Academy were, they comprise of three members of The Revelations itself.

The title of the show, Sound Celebration according to Ishan is apt, because the show will be a dedication to music, adding that, many people were coming together to help them. "So many artistes in Sri Lanka have pledged their support and we are hoping the support we have seen in our area, will be a good example for the whole country." In fact, all these artistes will be performing free-of charge!

The concert will comprise of a lot of upbeat songs and the arrangements will be done by their choral director, Sanjeev. Ishan said that the ever popular Queen number, "Bohemian Rhapsody" will be something to look forward to.

Two CD's will be launched by this all male vocal outfit soon. One titled "Feel the Spirit" which will be gospel and spiritual numbers and the other will be a CD of pop music, titled, "Still Crazy." The sales of these CD's too, will help them raise funds for the Choir Games in Austria and will be available at the concert.

They sing at lots of corporate events and weddings, Ishan said, and are very thankful to those who have hired them due to the exposure they have received. He also went on to say, "We are thankful to the BMICH for their co-operation."

The members of The Revelations are Sanjeev Jayaratnam (Choral Director/Leader), Ishan de Lanerolle (President), Priyan R. de Livera (Manager) and Enaksha Fernando (Secretary/Treasurer) while the other members are Srimanthaka Senanayake, Rohan de Lanerolle, Charith Peris, Mahen Peiris, Asanka Perera, Christopher Godridge, Willie Godridge and Krishan Jayaratnam.

The Revelations have the distinction of making it to the Top 10 in the World; in the Pop, Jazz and Gospel category as listed by the Musica Mundi World Ranking List as presented by the Interkultur Foundation, who are the organisers of the world's largest choral competitions.

One vital way by which you could contribute towards helping this simply amazing singing outfit reach the choir games, would be to be a part of the concert by purchasing a ticket and you can do so by getting your tickets at The Bayleaf, Gregory's Road, The Autodrome, Union Place (opposite Pizza Hut) or call Priyan on 0777 329 287 or Enaksha on 0777 324 425. Sound Celebration will be held at the BMICH on April 23, 2008 at 7.30pm.