Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Celebrating a cause close to the heart
By Smriti Daniel
The Past Pupils’ Association of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya in collaboration with Soul Sounds is proud to present Celebrating Wales. The event which is to be the Association’s major fundraiser for 2005-2006 promises to be a musical extravaganza that will showcase the talent of the well known “Soul Sounds” choir.

It’s no surprise that the choir is in the mood for celebration, after all the last few years have given them a lot to be jubilant about. Not only were they selected to participate at the 58th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, UK, but they also walked away with the award for the First Runners Up in the Youth Choir Category. This gives them a place amongst the best choirs in the world, an achievement that both their Alma Mater and their countrymen can take pride in. The choir has obviously come a long way under the music direction of Ms. Soundarie David.

These past Familians now form the group we know as Soul Sounds and in commemoration of their international achievement, they have teamed up with the Past Pupils’ Association for what may well be the musical event of the year. The groups’ leader for this season is Andrea Melder, ably backed by Nilanga Jayawickrema. The repertoire of Soul Sounds includes everything from Broadway hits, jazz and semi classics to sacred and secular choral music. Celebrating Wales will feature songs from Irwin Berlin, ABBA, the famous Mamma Mia musical as well as a popular Tamil alongside a medley from the musical Joseph.

The Choir will give a rendition of one of their winning songs from Wales – “Mangala Mohotha” by Mignonne Fernando. The show would also include something new to the group - a cappella. Unaccompanied by musical instruments, the group will use their voices alone under the guidance of Shanti Faiia, who has had the experience of singing in an a cappella group in the States. The musical accompaniment for the show will be by Neranjan de Silva on keyboards and Christopher Prins on drums. The choir of St. Sebastian’s’ College Moratuwa will also make a guest performance at this show.

The manager of the group is the well known director Jerome De Silva
The proceeds of this fund-raiser will be channelled into a Retirement Home for the senior citizens amongst past Familians, a cause the Past Pupils Association have long held dear. The Familian Retirement Home which is to be built in Kelaniya will be raised in a serene, scenic location filled with an abundance of bird life. The Past Pupils’ Association envisages a great deal of expenditure in the construction of this Retirement Home, and has in accordance planned a series of fund raisers amongst which Celebrating Wales is one.

Since their success in Wales last year, Soul Sounds have released a track together with famous artistes such as Sir Cliff Richards, Boy George, Bee Gees and several others in aid of tsunami victims, under the Universal Studio Label. The CD titled “One World Project’ came right up to No. 4 in the UK charts earlier on this year. They have also been invited to sing for many prestigious events. The group which has been in demand over the last few months is now busy with rehearsals for the upcoming performance along with training sessions for another international competition in 2006, which they look forward to with anticipation.

Celebrating Wales will be held on August 20 and 21 from 7 p.m. onwards at the Bishop’s College auditorium. Tickets priced at Rs. 1000, Rs.600, Rs.400 and Rs.250 are available at the Bishops’ College Auditorium, H.F.C primary school office, Mocher Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd. in Nawala and Salon Janet in Ward Place and Mount Lavinia.

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