Soul Sounds Academy adds Lankan voices to King’s coronation concert
View(s):By Mithahasini Ratnayake
The 6th of May will be a significant day for the people of the United Kingdom, as the coronation of King Charles III takes place amongst much pomp and pageantry.
Sri Lankans too have something to look forward to as the Soul Sounds Academy has been invited to partake in a virtual choral item for the special coronation concert that will be livestreamed on May 7 from Windsor Castle. The Soul Sound’s Academy is the only Lankan choir amongst many from Commonwealth countries invited to participate in the event which will be broadcast by BBC London on the day after the coronation.
Among the stars performing at the live concert before the newly crowned King and Queen Consort, are Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and the British pop group Take That. Also taking top billing are the Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli and Welsh singer Sir Bryn Terfel who will perform as a duo.
Reaching a global audience: The Soul Sounds Academy choir with founder and director Soundarie David
There will also be a performance by a “Coronation Choir” comprising community choirs and amateur singers from across the UK. The concert is hosted by actor Hugh Bonneville of Downton Abbey fame.
Founded and directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo, “Soul Sounds” is a name that resonates in the Lankan music sphere being the first female choral ensemble in the country. For this occasion, it will be the school’s mixed ensemble- the Soul Sounds Academy choir that will be representing the country.
All choirs from across the Commonwealth will be performing one item: a rather modern twist on Stevie Winwood’s ‘Higher Love’. “Even we are as curious as you are to see the final product,” says Soundarie, adding that the video was pre-recorded at the British High Commission Residence and sent to the organisers. “The song was done in parts. I think it’ll be nice to have so many countries putting it all together.”
The Soul Sounds Academy is an intermediate choir founded in 2010 consisting of young singers from the age of 15 upwards, with the aim of promoting choral singing as well as a variety of choral arrangements in genres such as classical, gospel, jazz, pop and even local and folk music. “The choir was actively working during the lockdown period,” notes Soundarie, “this group has always been there but recently it’s been more functional.”
She adds that they had also taken part in virtual competitions, and are invited to perform at many events. The coronation concert would be the choir’s most high profile event, being their first time performing at an event with such a large audience being streamed worldwide.
The choir is currently working towards competing at the 12th Bali International Choir Festival in July. There will also be a fundraiser in June to support the choir on this journey.
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