By Sharuni Weerasinghe

On the 23rd of August, the Club House at Havelock City opened its doors to an audience of over 350 people, for ‘’Why We Sing’’ the debut performance of the Soul Sounds Academy Community Choir. The initiative was the brainchild of Soundarie David Rodrigo - an award-winning choral director, accomplished pianist, founder of the internationally acclaimed Soul Sounds choir and director of the Soul Sounds Academy, among numerous other accolades. 

The concept of a Senior Choir was born while she was a judge at the World Choir Games in South Korea, witnessing senior choirs, whose sense of camaraderie and joy sparked an idea that Sri Lanka, too, needs this. That thought led to the formation of a choir that would bring together senior members of the community to experience the simple joy of singing. 

The newly formed Community Choir’s first rehearsal was held on March 10th, 2025, a date of deep personal significance to Soundarie — her late father, Ranjith David’s birthday. A passionate music lover who found solace in singing, particularly in his later years, he remains the quiet yet steadfast inspiration behind this project. For Soundarie, launching the choir on this day was more than symbolic; it was a way of honouring his love for music and carrying forward his legacy of joy and togetherness through song. 

The members of this choir include individuals over the age of 60, from all walks of life — including former diplomats and board directors — who now seem to have enough time on their hands to do what they are truly passionate about. A group of almost 90 people came together to join the Soul Sounds Academy in their new initiative: a senior community choir formed to explore their love for singing. Their commitment was evident from the start, with some even arriving an hour early for rehearsals. This level of dedication inspired Soundarie to take on the challenge of working towards a full concert - something many members never thought would be possible.

In just five months, a group of strangers transformed into an ensemble ready for the stage, preparing for a public concert, a remarkable achievement they can undoubtedly be proud of. Directed by Soundarie David Rodrigo and conducted by Shenuk Wijesinghe and Uvini Sirisena, they stood together as one, ready to share the music they had worked so hard on. Their goal was never about technical perfection alone; rather, it was about creating an experience where the joy of singing could truly resonate with everyone present.

The show opened with a lively Beatles medley, immediately setting a light and upbeat tone. The stage design with sofas and a homely setup created a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It felt less like a formal concert and more like an intimate musical gathering, which was a beloved change of pace. Audience participation was encouraged throughout the evening, with clapping and ‘sing-alongs’ becoming a recurring feature. 

The night’s repertoire offered a vibrant mix of local and international favourites. It opened with a Sinhala medley of well-loved classics, including original arrangements of Master Sir and Nim Him Sewwa, alongside the Tamil favourite Chinna Chinna Asai, giving the programme variety and local colour. 

Adding to the evening’s charm was the Soul Sounds Academy Parents Choir, another initiative by Soundarie and her team. This group of enthusiastic parents had formed their own choir while waiting to pick up their children from rehearsals, and their performance - a medley of Neil Diamond hits and other retro favourites -  brought laughter and applause from the audience.

The senior choir followed with classics such as Blue Bayou, Oh Carol, and Uptown Girl, delivering them with both skill and joyful energy. They also performed Abba’s most famous numbers, stepping fully into their ‘inner child’ and clearly enjoying every moment on stage.

The evening included a few surprises as well. A couple’s dance to Strangers in the Night added a playful touch, while a romantic duet by the choir’s conductors, Uvini Sirisena and Shenuk Wijesinghe, performing All I Ask of You from The Phantom of the Opera, drew appreciative cheers and added a touch of elegance to the night.

The final piece of the night was, Why We Sing the title of the show and a fitting conclusion to the evening. More than just a song, it carried the choir’s core message: that music is for everyone, and that you are never too old to start doing what you love. As the voices rose in harmony, it became a quiet but powerful affirmation - ‘’if we can do it, so can you’’. 

For a group that only began rehearsing five months ago, this debut was an impressive start. What stood out was the sense of joy, commitment and possibility that hung in the air. This evening proved that in a world where social connections can feel fragmented, the simple act of gathering to sing together is crucial. 

As the evening drew to a close, one thing was clear. This is just the beginning for the Soul Sounds Academy Community Choir. Their debut was more than a performance; it was the start of something meaningful, a space where music and community come together. Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic first show. We can’t wait to see what they do next.