Giving soul to the 90s sounds
View(s):By Joshua Surendraraj
Music for a cause, the melody has always been about adding joy to someone’s life and for Soul Sounds, the renowned Sri Lankan female choir that has gained so much in the industry, it’s all about giving back. Coming back to the stage after their previous show in March this year, Soul Sounds is gearing up for their next performance‘Totally 90’s’ on August 6 and 7 at the Lionel Wendt theatre.
Soul Sounds in full swing. Pic by Shehal Joseph
Aptly titled, the concert will feature a repertoire of songs from the 90’s and all proceeds from the show will be donated to the educational programme of the Shilpa Children’s Trust. Founder and music director of the choir, Soundarie David Rodrigo says that the choir has always wanted to do something challenging and therefore had risen to the occasion.
“We try all kinds of music, from classical to pop. Having done a successful ‘totally 80’s concert in 2014, we really wanted to do something different with music from the 90’s.Further the majority of the girls grew up in the 90’s and the music we perform brings in good memories,” she says.
“We will try to bring in the 90’s feel both in song and looks! So to all who loved the songs from the 90’s – this concert is bound to be special,” she tells us. Soul Sounds will be covering songs by famous 90’s bands, pop stars and rock stars from the Spice Girls to Meatloaf, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
“Of course we had to cut down many songs, because to perform all would mean three different show nights or more! But we’ve covered the hits, and we hope the audience will enjoy our selection,” Soundarie adds. The choristers are committed and passionate about the music that they perform. Whilst Soundarie acknowledges that Gospel music is their forte she adds“music is universal and if we can add some joy into someone’s life through music, then that’s all that matters.”
Soul Sounds is exclusively sponsored by DIMO and Fairway Holdings and it is thanks to their support that they are able to move forward with many performances. “As such we also want to help other charities and sing for causes. Our last performance ‘Born free’ was in aid of the Animal Protection Trust. This time all the funds from the show will directed towards the educational programme of the Shilpa Children’s Trust,” Soundarie said.
Since its establishment in 1987, the Shilpa Children’s home aims to provide vulnerable girls and women with compassion, care and security needed to lead a life of fulfilment and peace. The home also focuses on positively changing the lives of girls and women in need by giving them access to education, skills, training and support services.
Putting up a show like this is no easy task. The girls have been tirelessly rehearsing during the weekday evenings and also during the weekends. It is their love for music and the bonds of friendship that drive them on as a group. And to many of them the songs take away the stress of a hectic day. So whilst practices are hard it is also something that everyone looks forward to.
“Thankfully the art of multi-tasking and being able to manage one’s time has been something the group has been able to handle and learn over the last 12 years. Only the very strong and persevering are able to cope with our hectic schedules as well as manage their other commitments. The girls are also able to learn songs and the individual parts fast, so this helps too,” Soundaries said.
Tickets for the show are on sale at the Soul Sounds Academy, 57/2 Kassapa Road, off Jawatte Road, and from July 27 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets are priced at Rs. 4000, 3000, 2000, 1000 and 750 (balcony).