Evening of sound

With all the gloom that is going on around us, in the country at the moment, it would be nice, even just for a little while, to escape from the reality of it all. Don't you think?

And if you have a love for music, what better way to escape, than to be able to listen to some amazing voices, (and in my opinion, probably some of the best at the moment in the island) perform some memorable songs, on stage. And this superb male vocal outfit, are none other than, The Revelations, and this is where I suggest you should be, this April, when they bring to you, Sound Celebration.

While the rain came down in sheets, and it was gloomy outside, I was able to meet up with a few members of this cheerful and mischievous bunch, a few days ago, and they made the weather and the long lines of traffic, seem like not that much of a deal.

With regard to the concert, Sanjeev Jayaratnam, the Choral Director/Leader of The Revelations, said, the audience should expect contemporary music, including songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by a band that needs no introduction – Queen.

As well as numbers by The Eagles, where they will be exploring some songs from their (The Eagles') latest album, ‘Long Road Out of Eden.’ They will also be performing some songs by The Beatles, which have been performed by them in the past, along with songs by Simon and Garfunkel. He went on to say, "the audience can expect something different, in terms of some Sinhala songs."

Sanjeev and Priyan R. de Livera, the Manager of the group, said, "It will be a totally upbeat concert," adding that they will be accompanied by Neranjan de Silva on the organ and Christopher Prins on percussion and drums.

The Revelations aside, Bhathiya and Santhush, Ricky Baha and Shanelle Fernando, Natasha Fernando, Nalin of the Marians, Damien and The Revelations Academy will also take the stage. Apart from singing their own numbers, most of these artistes will be combining songs with The Revelations as well.

"A lot of the songs we will be doing will be done for the first time in Sri Lanka," Sanjeev said, and he went on to say that "an a cappella arrangement will be done on one of Nalin's songs, which will be done only for the second time in Sri Lanka!"

As for The Revelations Academy, they were formed by three members of The Revelations, and is like an academy itself, where children from the age of three and a half to adults up to about the age of 50, are taught singing, drama and art and the academy currently has about 80 students and some of them will be performing at the concert.

You may know, that they will be releasing two CD's this year, 'Still Crazy' and 'Feel the Spirit.' The former will comprise of "contemporary stuff in our own style and a little bit of accompaniment," Sanjeev went on to say where as the latter will have more serious stuff. Both albums will contain songs that they performed in Jakarta, therefore giving you the chance to listen to what they performed over there. It is clear that the two CD's have relatively different genres of music, therefore appealing to a wider audience. The CD's will be priced at Rs. 1000 each.

The concert is to raise funds for the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria this year. In terms of competition, let me put it this way: There will be 300 choirs at the Games from around 120 countries, which means, there will be around 12,000 participants! Sanjeev and Priyan went on to say that "a lot of the numbers have been arranged specifically for The Revelations," adding that, "a lot of what we do are our own arrangements" or more specifically, "they are Sanjeev's own arrangements for The Revelations!" Priyan said. With the main focus being on the funds for the Games, they said that, "it's a huge task to get the arrangements going."

Then, with regard to the Games, they both said, that they plan "to be the best" adding "we want to do our best." Priyan and Sanjeev, went on to say, "when we went to Jakarta we didn't have a clue as to what our standard was," adding, "when you hear the other choirs, you know where you stand." And with regard to Austria, they said, "we have no expectations, and are going to give it our best shot!"

The main sponsor for 'Sound Celebration' is Tigo who will sponsor the two CD's. Seylan Bank is the main sponsor for The Revelations for the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria.

One vital way by which you could contribute towards helping this simply amazing and deserving singing outfit reach the choir games, would be to be a part of the concert by purchasing a ticket or two! Since the tickets for the show are not reserved, for those of you who buy 10 tickets or more, you will be able to reserve a block of tickets.

And, tickets can be purchased at The Bayleaf, Gregory's Road, The Autodrome, Union Place (opposite Pizza Hut) or call Priyan on 0777 329 287 or Enaksha on 0777 324 425. Sound Celebration will be held at the BMICH on April 23, 2008 at 7.30pm.

The Revelations have the distinction of being ranked 9th in the World in the Pop, Jazz and Gospel category and 94th in the world overall as listed by the Musica Mundi World Ranking List as presented by the Interkultur Foundation, who are the organisers of the world's largest choral competitions.

The Revelations comprise Sanjeev Jayaratnam (Choral Director/Leader), Ishan de Lanerolle (President), Priyan R. de Livera (Manager) and Enaksha Fernando (Secretary/Treasurer) while the other members are Srimanthaka Senanayake, Rohan de Lanerolle, Charith Peris, Mahen Peiris, Asanka Perera, Christopher Godridge, Willie Godridge and Krishan Jayaratnam.