Arts
Soul Sounds totally ready to hit the stage with Totally Pop
With their next big concert fast approaching, rehearsals are becoming “intense, stressful, but getting there,” Soundarie David Rodrigo, founder of the Soul Sounds says.
Soul Sounds drawing inspiration from the 60s, 70s and contemporary music for upcoming show. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Sri Lanka’s premier female choral ensemble, Soul Sounds is all ready to showcase innovative choral arrangements in ‘Totally Pop’ featuring the most loved cover hits from the 60’s, 70’s to the modern day.
Their last two pop shows ‘Totally 80’s’ and ‘Totally 90’s’ were a runaway success, and this inspired the choir to think about a concert that would appeal to a wider cross-section of music lovers. This year’s show will bring a collection of pop songs with a unique Soul Sounds twist covering different eras including favourites from Bruno Mars, the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Prince, some RnB, Cold Play and even Ed Sheeran.
“Performing pop in choral renditions is a challenging task indeed. Most of the modern numbers are not easy to be put into choral form as they just have four basic codes, a solo voice and rap in-between,” Soundarie says.
The choir has also taken much effort with creative designing, performance and the total look for the show. The costumes are designed by Dinesh Chandrasena drawing inspiration from the styles of the 60’s, 70’s and modern.
Marisa De Silva, the most senior member of Soul Sounds choir who has been a part of the journey since its inception, is looking forward to the show with much excitement. “Having seen the progression of the choir, witnessing new talents coming in, the whole effort was to try out new things. This time, despite juggling between singing, movements and learning the words, I’m enjoying the rehearsals as much as ever,” Marisa laughs.
The selection of songs had been a group effort as everyone was free to suggest choral renditions and covers of their preference. The group promises a wide-ranging selection which will appeal to all types of audiences from old to young. Some hits would be in medleys. The choir is also going to be performing rap on stage after a long hiatus.
Marisa
Soundarie
“Soul Sounds work best under stressful conditions,” Soundarie says, “music is a stress reliever, building companionship and fellowship among each other.” ‘Totally Pop’ will feature young choristers along with the senior members, united regardless of age.
Choir leaders for this year’s show, Nimaya Harris and Roshie Wickramaratne are busy with setting up the rehearsals and co-ordinating other arrangements for the concert.
“As we attend the rehearsals late in the evening after work or school, we are all just juggling with time. I sometimes fear that we will not make it but somehow we have ended up doing a great performance always,” Nimaya says.
Nimaya
Roshie
For Roshie, Soul Sounds has been a great opportunity to develop her skills. “I could expand my knowledge on singing and choral techniques, my voice got trained in a better way,” says Roshie.
The musicians for the show are Shane John on drums, Andrew Obeysekera on lead guitar, Pradeep Rodrigo on bass and Dhanuksha Seneviratne on keyboards.
DIMO and Fairway Holdings are exclusive sponsors of Soul Sounds and all their ventures.
Soul Sounds will take the stage on August 8 at 7.30 p.m. with ‘Totally Pop’. Tickets are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre priced at Rs. 2000, Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 750 (balcony).
A previous production by Soul Sounds