Arts
A concert of remembrance in true Soul Sounds style
Although we’re nearing the end of the year, 2019 will forever be remembered as one of the darkest years in Sri Lanka’s history owing to the deadly bombings on Easter Sunday. The lives lost, the smiles that will never be seen again and the laughter of the children that will never be heard. It is only their memories that will remain over time.
The group at rehearsals. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
‘Soul Sounds’ the renowned all female ensemble had earlier planned to stage their concert, featuring local music this month (October). However, once tragedy struck the country, the choir, who is also known for their soulful renditions of Gospel music, felt it was only apt to have a concert that would bring a sense of hope.
‘Steal Away’ is taken from the title of the gospel number – Steal Away to Jesus. The girls felt the words would help remember the many lives that were stolen away from their families on that fateful Easter morning.
In keeping with the theme for the evening, the concert has been carefully planned to include a repertoire of gospel and sacred music and also tunes that will bring with it a sense of hope, whilst remembering the lives lost. “So you can expect something special, the true Soul Sounds style,” Choral Director Soundarie David says.
Soul Sounds has always been known for its versatility. Accordingly the choir has built its reputation through its unique Christmas, pop, jazz, fusion and also local music shows. “You name it – we’ve tried it and presented our audiences world over with repertoires covering every genre,” Soundarie says.
Similarly, ‘Steal Away’ – whilst predominantly gospel, would include some new music and unique arrangements that will be performed for the first time in Sri Lanka, she says. Some of the tunes will also include ‘Soul’s Anthem’ and ‘Encourage Yourself’ all the way to Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’.
As Soundarie puts it, ‘Soul Sounds’ is an existing group who meet regularly and perform for corporate events and weddings. So when it came to organising a concert, “it was not a case of getting singers together, but rather working on new repertoire which is always tough.”
Choir leaders: Akalanki Wijemanne and Dinushka Jayawickreme
Since the choir is also experimenting with new music, this in turn makes rehearsals rather intense. “For most of the girls, music is something that unites them together, and the friendships and memories they share within Soul Sounds continue to bind them together in song,” she says.
The group is staging this show in partnership with Seth Sarana – the social developmental arm of the Catholic Church. With the proceeds of the show, they will be setting up a long term fund for a few survivors of the Zion Church bombing in Batticaloa.
“By coming and supporting the concert, the audience will be contributing towards this initiative being set up by Soul Sounds,” says choir leader Dinushka Jayawickreme.
Dinushka, fellow choir leader Akalanki Wijemanne and Soundarie look to lead the choir through yet another successful performance that embraces the level of quality which is uniquely Soul Sounds.
‘Steal Away’ will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000, Rs.1500 and Rs.700 (balcony) and will be available at the Soul Sounds Academy (57/2 Kassapa Road off Jawatte Road) and at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from October 10.
Soundarie David : Getting the girls ready for a concert