Arts
‘It’s now or never’
What makes a good song stand out from the rest, is that one can listen to it, get lost in the melody and perhaps relate to the lyrics at the same time. The same could be said about a live music concert; if the performers are good, the show would be a memorable one. This is why, the thought of a ‘Revelations’ concert would certainly evoke exciting memories.
Yes, they are back, and they will perform on July 23 at the Bishop’s College auditorium, starting at 7 p.m. Together with their original line-up, they hope to put on an evening that is filled with great music.
The way they were:The Revelations when they performed at the World Choir Games
‘The Revelations choir’ formed in 1994, steadily built up popularity and hit the world stage literally when in 2007 they became champions at the Asian Choir Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. The following year (2008), they went on to become champions in the ‘Gospel and Spiritual’and ‘Male Voice Ensemble’ categories at the Interkultur World Choir Games in Graz, Austria. Winning in these two categories, is a feat which no Sri Lankan choral group has achieved.
Sri Lanka apart, the choir also performed in several Asian countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Singapore. However, they took a short break, three years ago. What brought them back together was the passing of their dear friend and fellow choir member, Mahen Peiris, to whom this concert will be dedicated. The choir will also be celebrating their tenth anniversary since winning their first championship.
They figured it was now or never.
The line-up consists of Sanjeev Jayaratnam, Enaksha Fernando, Srimanthaka Senanayake, Rohan De Lanerolle, Ishan De Lanerolle, Charith Peiris, Asanka Perera, Christo Godridge and Willie Godridge, managed by Priyan De Livera.
The ensemble was first put together by Sanjeev and Mahen. Sanjeev recalls that essentially all the guys were from S. Thomas’ College but, it wasn’t by design. “We were looking out for likeminded people with good voices who liked to do this type of close harmony and choral music and it so happened that everyone we found was from S. Thomas’,” he tells us with a chuckle.
We also found it quite hilarious, as to how the choir picked out their name. Sanjeev explains, back in 1993, they were the opening act for the band ‘Purple Rain’. They were just friends and had not properly formed as a group back then. Just before they went on stage, they were asked for their name. In that instant, they remembered the group ‘Genesis’, who also used to perform at the time. “So, on the spur of the moment, we called ourselves ‘Revelations’ and it stuck (Genesis is the first book of the Bible and Revelations the last),” Sanjeev recalls. The rest is history.
Sanjeev Jayaratnam
Music is timeless and this is just why the tunes they perform are relevant to this day. Sanjeev explains their repertoire consists of songs from various genres, something for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, these songs have been ones which they have individually enjoyed for the past 20-30 years. “The music that we sing are not our own compositions, they are songs that have been there for a long time and will probably continue to be there,” he says.
The reunion concert, which is a celebration of music, friendship and fun also promises a repertoire encompassing different genres. “We have some Barbershop, gospel and pop music. There’s a surprise too,” Sanjeev teased.
Sanjeev explains that this concert is very special, because these are the members who took part in the World Choir Games. “It’s a reunion for us as well and we’re very excited about it,” he says. He however adds that they aren’t sure if this will be a one-off show, because each of them has different priorities and work pressures to contend with. “So, we’re just going to take it one event at a time and have fun with it,” he says.
The ensemble has been practising tirelessly since February and are looking forward to delivering that sense of nostalgia, not forgetting the touch of magic the Revelations were known for.
Tickets for the show priced at Rs. 3000, 2500, 2000,1500,1000 (reserved) and Rs.750 (unreserved) (balcony) can be purchased at the Bishop’s College auditorium office.
For further inquiries contact
- 011-2391265 or 0777329287 (Priyan)/ 077324425 (Enaksha)