- Soundarie David Rodrigo on the Christmas spirit and 20 years of Soul Sounds
Soundarie David Rodrigo is a household name in the Colombo music and choral scene. She stands as a luminary, building a platform of classical mastery and choral brilliance.
This year marks two decades of Soul Sounds, the acclaimed choral ensemble she founded, as well as just over a decade of Soul Sounds Academy – the academy Soundarie leads that nurtures musical talent, moving beyond vocal training alone and encompassing piano, violin, guitar, and musical theatre, providing a holistic musical education for aspiring talents as young as four years old.
As we step into the 20th anniversary celebration of Soul Sounds, Soundarie’s journey unfolds as a melody of passion, dedication, and transformative leadership. Her ability to inspire and lead is evident in the origins of Soul Sounds, born from the Senior Choir of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya.
The ensemble, under her direction, has not only brought international acclaim to Sri Lanka at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales but has also become a beacon for the Western choral music scene in the country.
As she marks the 20th anniversary of Soul Sounds, The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Soundarie to reflect on the Soul Sounds milestones and on the profound impact of music, especially during the Christmas season. Soundarie shares her insights on the intricate process of preparing for Christmas performances, her favourite Christmas piece, and offers valuable advice for those aspiring to embark on their own musical journey.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
How are you feeling about Soul Sounds’ big anniversary?
I feel grateful to have come to the 20-year anniversary concert. I am thankful to all the singers who were part of the journey, the musicians, and my family, especially for believing in me and for all the support extended, and to all the sponsors along the 20-year journey for supporting us. I am excited about the concert and of course all the celebration concerts and plans for 2024.
What started Soul Sounds? What made you begin a school for music?
Soul Sounds was born out of the Senior Choir of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, which was the first to take Sri Lanka to the international choral world by competing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. I was called to train the school choir, and after their win in Wales, the girls still wanted to sing. I was open to trying out working with a choir and this became Soul Sounds. From then on, there has been no turning back.
The academy was started after I returned from London on completion of my musical studies, when I initially started teaching vocal training to smaller groups at home. In time the numbers grew and in 2012 the Soul Sounds Academy was set up, teaching children from as young as four. Now we do not focus merely on vocal classes, but have expanded to piano, violin, guitar, and musical theatre.
What first got you into music? What excites you about music and singing?
My grandfather was a church organist and my mum was a music teacher, so I grew up listening to music all around me. My dad used to love to sing, even though he was never a professional singer. I guess all this influenced me to take up music.
I remain grateful to all my teachers along the way, from the late Mary Billimoria, Ramya De Livera Perera, the late Patricia Carrol, Mary Ann David, and all others who by their teaching helped me learn not just to play the piano, but to be passionate about music.
Music forms an integral part of the Christmas season. How will Soul Sounds celebrate the Christmas season this year?
Soul Sounds and the Soul Sounds Academy started rehearsing for Christmas as early as September this year, as I was also travelling and we had to make sure we were ready. So yes, it has been full of rehearsals, assignments, events, and weddings, but through music, we celebrate the birth of Christ and we hope that through our singing, we spread the good news and bring some Christmas cheer into the hearts of people.
What do you think it is about Christmas music that drives the festive season and brings people together?
When it comes to Christmas, it’s the standard carols and Christmas songs that people still want to hear, because you hear them only during the season. Our speciality is that we bring a little twist to the rendition and make it a special arrangement, whilst keeping to the original tune.
What is your favourite thing about the Christmas season?
Christmas is about hope, the birth of Christ, and that to me is the true essence of the season – the reason for the season. It also brings families together and also makes us recall cherished memories of earlier Christmases with our loved ones. To me, this is very special.
What is your favourite piece of Christmas music and why?
It’s the old carol ‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,’ as this speaks of the story of the birth of Christ, beautifully placed in a piece of music.
When training a choir to perform at Christmas, what is the most challenging part of bringing a Christmas performance together?
Since I am working on concerts throughout the year, the main obstacle, and not necessarily for Christmas, is trying to work around a schedule that works with everyone, including mine. That, together with the many assignments and weddings coming up during the season, just makes it very hard to juggle. But with God’s grace, we have been able to manage.
What advice would you give to people who want to begin a journey in music and singing?
Nothing is impossible if you are willing to work hard and also make some sacrifices. Music is not just about playing an instrument or singing; it is also about learning the art and history of music. This is important to interpret the music better. Hence, if you are willing to work hard, then a journey in music, though not easy, will bring you a lot of satisfaction and inner peace.