Soul Sounds Marks 20 Years in its Journey of Soulful Music

Soundarie (standing third from left) with the team of organisers for Moods of Christmas 2023

Sri Lanka’s premier female choral ensemble, Soul Sounds has captivated audiences worldwide with its soulful melodies and unwavering dedication to the art of choral singing over the past two decades. Under the leadership of its Music Director, Soundarie David Rodrigo and Artistic Director, Jerome L De Silva, this remarkable ensemble has not only garnered international acclaim but also stands as a beacon of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence. 

To celebrate its 20 year journey, Soul Sounds will present its 20th rendition of ‘Moods of Christmas’, the annual music concert on December 22 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. From training her school’s senior choir to directing a choir that placed Sri Lanka on the world map, Rodrigo feels that every moment in this journey has been worth it. Recalling her musical journey she said, “When I returned to Colombo in 1997, the senior choir of my school, Holy Family Convent was looking for a trainer. The girls were very hardworking and committed, and at one point I thought they were good enough to enter an international competition. When the Holy Family Convent senior choir entered the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, the choir was the very first from Sri Lanka to compete internationally. I was determined to make sure the world heard the unique voices of Sri Lankans. Their talent was acknowledged when they were placed first runners up in the youth choir category in the competition.” 

To celebrate its 20 year journey, Soul Sounds will present its 20th rendition of ‘Moods of Christmas’, the annual music concert on December 22 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo

This was how Soul Sounds was formed because the girls who were part of the school wanted to continue singing for the love of it. Since then there had been no turning back, from tours to concerts held locally and worldwide to singing national anthems of over 15 nations to CDs, singles and charity projects and not to forget the many tributes to legends such as Michael Jackson. “For us it was all about taking a song, owning it and making it yours reach out to the people. Personally, I never thought I would be directing a choir (as you know my love is with the piano). When I was called to help my school, little did I imagine that 20 years later the memories I have made during this journey of music will remain with me as we take things forward.” 

The repertoire encompasses a diverse range of genres, from classical to gospel, contemporary and folk showcasing their versatility and adaptability. In recent times, Soul Sounds has been involved in various charities, concerts and events, spreading the joy of music and making a positive impact on the community. They continue to inspire audiences while showing the true spirit of women. 
“We are now ready to embark on the next phase of our journey. “Moods of Christmas” is a concept initialized by my friend Yasmin Cader. When I received a call 20 years ago from her, inviting me to do a Christmas concert at the Cinnamon Grand, little did I know that it would be this long a journey,” Rodrigo added.

 Under the leadership of its Music Director, Soundarie David Rodrigo and Artistic Director, Jerome L De Silva, this remarkable ensemble has not only garnered international acclaim but also stands as a beacon of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence

Speaking at the media briefing, Cader recalled how the then General Manager Rohan Karr had suggested what could be done differently in view of the festive season. “I believe I met Soundarie somewhere, possibly being in the audience of a concert where her choir sang. I immediately realized that this was an opportunity not to be missed. I approached her to do a concert in the Atrium of the Cinnamon Grand. She too was excited. This was just the beginning of what was in store for her. We briefly thought what we should do in terms of costume, lighting and sounds considering the little time we had. However, being the expert she is, she put her thoughts together along with the musical director and shared with me a programme which she thought would suit a varied audience because at the time we didn’t know whom to attract. I then suggested the name ‘Moods of Christmas’, and she absolutely loved it and the rest is history. At the end of the concert Soundarie and her choir received a standing ovation and the audience screamed for more. With this show getting bigger, better and more elaborate over the years, we now welcome the 20th “Moods of Christmas” concert which will be yet another stunning performance.”   Their initial triumph in Wales ignited an extraordinary musical odyssey which propelled them to mesmerize audiences across the seas. In 2004, their exceptional talent was recognized when they were invited to record a single for a Tsunami relief project with legendary music icons such as Cliff Richards, Bill Wyman of Rolling Stones, Boy George, Russell Watson and many more. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in their career, solidifying their position as one of the world’s most distinguished choirs. From participating in world choir games held in various countries such as Austria to touring the world and producing songs to heal communities, Soul Sounds continues to entertain audiences with its soulful music.