Revelations youngsters win gold at first int’l outing
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After months of gruelling practice- this was their moment on the international stage and singing their hearts out in the multi-layered ‘Lift Thine Eyes’, the Beatles classic ‘Penny Lane’, a beautifully complex version of the evergreen ‘Danny Boy’ and the rousing ‘Seize The Day’ from Newsies – they were a winner.
The Revelations Academy children’s choir comprising 21 talented singers between the ages 10 to 14 years, brought honour to Sri Lanka becoming the first Sri Lankan children’s mixed voice group to win a Gold Diploma at the recently concluded 4th Vietnam International Choir Competition in Hoi An from April 29 to May 3.
The competition organized by INTERKULTUR saw choirs from Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong providing stiff competition for the group. However, with a selection that took audiences from hope and mischief to nostalgia and courage, the choir emerged the winners in the Children’s Choir category.
The experience itself was a once in a lifetime one, for the young choristers. The fun of getting to know the other choirs, the thrill of parading through the streets of Hoi An and the tingling intensity of the competition are feelings they will not easily forget.
“It was magical,” enthused a parent who had accompanied the choir, saying the young choir performed at their best.
Sanjeev Jayaratnam, the leader of the award winning Revelations ensemble and the founder of the Revelations Academy was the brains behind training the 21-member strong team. “We have an extremely talented group of kids and after competing and performing in the local music scene, I felt it was time to up the stakes and give them an international platform in order to expand their horizons and discover how they will fare against other choirs just like them.”
The award-winning choir comprised: Aanya Tanchell, Ashcharya Perera, Cheneliza De Silva Wikramathilaka, Cheran Jayaratnam, Dhearthik Ponnusamy, Hashendri Wanigasooriya, Nehara Fernando, Rometh Suriyarachchi, Sahandee Meegama, Sashyani Rodrigo, Sathinji Senanayake, Seneja Pathirana, Shean Solomon, Shervon Wijesinghe, Shevon Perera, Shyalina Muthumudalige, Suhashi Tissarachchi, Tehani Pereira, Tharuka Jayaratnam, Tirani Wickramanayake, Yohan Gunasekera.
This is not the first time that the Academy has received honours abroad. The Senior Choir won two silver medals at the Tomohon International Choir Competition in 2010. Interestingly, a few of the members are parents of the kids who took it one step further five years later.
“We had so much support and help from parents and well-wishers and we would like to acknowledge their part in making this trip a success. We are so proud to bring home a gold diploma and this is just the beginning for what this talented group of kids can achieve,” an elated Sanjeev said.
Local audiences can enjoy their award winning music on June 20 when the Revelations Academy will be seen in concert at the Tourist Board Hall, opposite Cinnamon Grand.