Soul’s original sounds from Soundarie and friends
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Soundarie David Rodrigo
“If music be the food of love, play on” says Duke Orsino in one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Twelfth Night. The Bard of Avon quite justly identified music as a satisfier of the human appetite in his plays, and Soundarie David Rodrigo is bringing back this timeless theme on June 7 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre with her production of “SOUL” – a concert aimed at making a difference.
Hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s musical prodigies, music enthusiasts would know Soundarie through her performances on the piano or as the founder and choir director of the all female choral group ‘Soul Sounds’. Over the years Soundarie has constantly had audiences marvelling at her unique arrangements and mastery of many genres including classical to pop, rock, gospel and ethnic.
This time Soundarie, or ‘Sounds’ as she is fittingly nicknamed, is taking centrestage in a show presenting what really lies at the heart of her music … SOUL – an evening of original music.
Whether taking on the classics of the Baroque period, and performing compositions of Gershwin, Beethoven or Greig, Soundarie laughingly adds “I always like a challenge”. She will also be performing some of her original compositions including her first original in 2015 a song titled ‘Journey’ which was then performed by Soul Sounds. Again in 2015 Soundarie performed an original instrumental composition titled “Wild and Free” in aid of animal protection.
Interestingly, her show will also feature a dramatic reading of ‘Hamlet’ by thespian Jerome De Silva whom Soundarie will be accompanying on the piano. Although the two performers will have a decisive structure with the piece there may also be some impromptu notes to suit the tone of the reading adding a unique element to the whole performance.
Some of the artistes who will also be collaborating with Soundarie on SOUL include Dushy Perera (on cello, Ravibandu Vidyapathi and his drummers and Neranjan De Silva.
Main sponsor Fairway Holdings, a leading diversified conglomerate in Sri Lanka, is well known for offering a “lifestyle of enhancing products and services”. Over the years Fairway has been an exclusive sponsor for Soul Sounds, the Chamber Music Society of Colombo and the Fairway Galle Literary Festival. As Senior Manager Corporate Communications of Fairway Holdings Sandamali Hewanayake said, “In order to advance it is important that we invest in a society groomed towards art and culture.” Four years into the partnership with the Soul Sounds, Fairway Holdings is once again stepping forward to support Soundarie’s new venture in order to help lift the creative scope of our little island.
For Soundarie her production holds much sentimental value as she is dedicating the performance to her late grandfather Joseph Miranda, known for his dexterity in arranging music and for being an acclaimed organist. She has also received an immense amount of support from her parents, brother and husband, adds Soundarie.
“Music cuts through all barriers,” says Soundarie adding that a performance is a success “if it can reach out to somebody and touch their soul.”
“SOUL” – an evening of original music will be on June 7 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from 7.30 p.m. onwards. Tickets are priced at Rs 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500. Tickets will be available from May 22 onwards at the Soul Sounds Academy at 57/2 Kassapa road, off Jawatte road, Colombo 05 and May 29 onwards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. For more information contact 0777225532.