Be entertained

It is not often we get more than one chance to do something big in our lives… But some are lucky to be given a number of chances to make it big and try to make a difference… And in this world there are a few people who mange to go on in spite of the many obstacles that come their way, like Ruwani Seimon.

Ruwani is the energetic director of the choir 'The Voices in Harmony,' and they will be performing a number of songs in August this year. The reason behind this concert Ruwani said is as "a fundraiser to go to Jakarta, Indonesia for the First Asian Choir Games," which will be held on November 2 - 10.

She went on to say that this is the first time they are doing something for themselves, adding, "it feels very weird to raise funds for ourselves!"

'Voices in Harmony,' consists of over 90 voices but only 21 will be able to go to Indonesia, for the Choir Games. In spite of surviving breast and bone cancer and now having being diagnosed with lung cancer, determined Ruwani still plans to go to Indonesia for the Games. In fact the concert held last year, "was supposed to be my last show," she said, adding, "I keep buying time and going on."

This year's concert does not have a theme unlike her previous concerts but she said, "we as a choir as a policy don't repeat our stuff," the reason being, "If we perform six or seven times it gets stale."

Sinhala music is always part of their line up and they will be doing a lot of a capella, along with a variety of pop, gospel, folk, Caribbean and Latin American, along with some dancing to enhance the performance. She said that there are some really talented girls in her choir who dance and sing as well.

Ruwani says she was pretty much unknown when she came to Colombo but "I have made quite a big mark after coming from Kandy," and she feels she has receive a lot of blessings and the gospel song line-up figures for this reason.

The choir consists of three main sections: Senior, Intermediate and Junior. The intermediates section is a new addition and they consist of 26 voices with the kids ranging between 12 and 16 years of age. "I have kids who have been with me for 11 to 12 years," said Ruwani, adding, "they are really really fabulous and they keep me going!"

Speaking to a few of the choristers they were very positive about being able to pull off this show is a very short period of time and are looking forward to going for the Choir Games.

Gyles (15) who is also a member of his school choir, and has been with the choir since 2004 said it has been "an excellent experience." Regarding the short time to practice for the show he said, "Even with the minimum practice we will pull it through."

"I have been with the choir since 2006 and it has been an awesome experience," said Rochelle (16), she was also trained under Ruwani for her school choir, adding "it is so much of fun." Naiomi (21) has been with the choir since 1998. "We don't know what to look forward to," she said, adding that she is "definitely looking forward to going, to Indonesia.”

"The concert is in aid of our Indonesia trip," said Charith (22) and "this is the fastest practice concert we have had." However he said, "as a choir we are used to practising at a very fast pace." He went on to explain that having just seven practices makes it harder and it needs a lot of concentration. Charith has been with Ruwani since 1996. "Without her, with seven practices it would not be possible," he said, to bring out a good performance, adding that she has not let her sickness take a toll on the choir, "she is the same – the same perfectionist," and "she has been herself."

"Since I was 12 I have been with Ruwani," said Asanka (22). "It's an experience," he said and the music is upbeat and enjoyable and, "I like singing anyway." About Indonesia he said that this is the first time they will be going to a competition and that the choir has talent, "we can do well – there is no reason why we can't!"

Priyan has been with Ruwani for five years," and said that the choir consists of various age groups starting from school children to professional, and about 90% of the students are Trinity College ATCL/LTCL examination students. "They have a fabulous time," and he went on to say it is "because of her strength and commitment and drive that everything goes on," adding, "the choir is excellent and very talented." With the limited time they have he said, it is "Ruwani's ability to get the best out of the students," that will bring out a good performance in the end.

So if an evening of scrumptious music is what you are looking for, make it a date on August 5 at 7pm as The Voices in Harmony in Concert will be staged at Water’s Edge. For tickets please contact Ruwani on 077 350 8058 or Priyan on 077 732 9287. The main sponsors for the concert are Waters Edge and Singer while the co sponsor is Olé and the media sponsors are ARTv.