Soul Sounds’ young ones perform Broadway hits
Nestled in the busy streets of Colombo 7, the Soul Sounds Academy is filled with the excited chatter of its junior students, as they prepare for their forthcoming concert. Founder and Music Director of Sri Lanka’s premier female ensemble, ‘Soul Sounds’, Soundarie David Rodrigo is heading the concert with Artistic Director Jerome L. DeSilva choreographing.
Soundarie (left) with her students: Excited about taking part in this show. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
While last year the show took the form of a competition this year the concert will venture into the theme of Broadway ‘to explore a different repertoire’ says Soundarie. It will include classics from musicals such as Mary Poppins, Oklahoma, Oliver, Annie and Chicago. Hits from contemporary musicals such as Rent, Rock of Ages and Lion King which are famous in New York will also be performed.
Soundarie’s intention in using this theme is due to the present young generation being exposed to pop and metal where the beauty of Broadway is little known, she says.
Notes from the piano fill the room as the youngsters music books in hand begin to sing in harmony. “With the juniors, it’s fresh and there’s innocence as they explore the world of music,” Soundarie says. Lilanka and Dinushka, members of the Soul Sounds choir help with rehearsing the younger ones. “It’s interesting and most of all satisfying to watch these young ones perform,” Lilanka says.
“Being a part of this show is amazing. It’s quite different. With the new theme, we get to see a whole new side of music,” says Arishah, a young performer who has been singing for four years and is a soloist at the concert. “I am excited and looking forward to singing in this show,” says 13-year-old Anika, who has been singing with the Soul Sounds juniors for three years.
The concert will showcase the junior school of the Academy where performers are between ages 4-9 and 9-14. The proceeds of the concert will go towards the Love Changes Everything Project at the Maharagama Children’s Cancer Hospital. The children will themselves visit the hospital and perform there.
‘We are One’ on Broadway will be on June 18 at the Lionel Wendt from 7.30 p.m. onwards. Tickets can be purchased from the Soul Sounds Academy on Gregory’s Road Colombo 7. Tel: 0722127988.
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