World of Music : A Soul Sounds Academy Production 

Soundarie David Rodrigo, along with her Soul Sounds choirs mesmerized audiences with her “World of Music” concert. Held at the Lionel Wendt, on the 12th of May, the Soul Sounds choirs which consisted of children from the ages of four to fifteen, entertained us all with a selection of songs from all over the world. 

The show opened to the sweet lyrical tunes of “Orinoco Flow” by Enya, moving onto more top tapping renditions like the “Caribbean Disco Show by Lobo and Bob Marley's ever popular “One Love”. The beat did not stop there, for the African song “Pata Pata” kept us all swaying in our seats. The African and Caribbean beats subsided to allow the sweet tunes from Asian, with Chinese folk songs such as “Mo li Hua” and “Oho Meghan Vanthadho” Illaiyaraja from the movie “Mouna Raagam” which was sung with such enthusiasm by the children. 

We were also able to enjoy some local favourites such as Ran Tikiri Sina and Nil Ahas Thale. The evening continued with more tunes from Latin America, Europe and Africa. It was truly  a delight to hear the children sing these popular songs in the languages of the country specific. 

A key belief in the Academy is to teach children all aspects of music through performance oriented teaching which was quite evident, since the students performed with such enthusiasm and confidence, a most difficult repertoire of songs, with many being in other languages such as Chinese to African. 

It was quite a refreshingly different concert indeed, for the ever present pop culture does over power the music of today, and it was indeed a treat to hear the traditional beautiful melodies from all over the world. Proceeds from the show are distributed amongst various projects, such as the cancer hospital and to a project for a new ward at the Mulleriyawa Hospital. 

Self discipline, confidence building, teamwork and developing a broad outlook to music are the key ingredients practiced at the Academy. This was clearly evident that night, for the students, along with their teachers and the guidance of Mrs. Soundarie David Rodrigo, did put on a fabulous show for all! 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe