‘Born Free’: Singing in one voice for animal rights

The Sri Lankan all-female choir Soul Sounds will be performing a special concert this month in support of a cause that is close to the group’s heart. Animal rights and their protection is a much talked about topic and Soul Sounds proposes to lend its voices to create awareness about the importance of protecting animals and allowing them to be free. Aptly titled ‘Born Free’, the concert in aid of the efforts of the Animal Protection Trust will be staged on 17 March, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Under the musical direction of Soundarie David Rodrigo, the program will focus on songs that have a direct link to animals and nature. Soul Sounds which has constantly been exploring and engaging new repertoire and styles will add its unique arrangements that bring in a touch of the wild and sounds from Africa, inspired by their visit to South Africa in 2015. The repertoire will include favourites from the Lion King Musical – He Lives in You, Shadowland and pop songs such as Africa, Roar, Colours of the Wind and the timeless ‘Born Free’ theme song. 

The arrangements will also include choreography and videography that give out a very strong message against the cruel treatment and incarceration of animals in the domestic sphere as well as in the wild. As mentioned by Soundarie, “Music is a universal language and we want to use it to convey a message to society especially at a time where we are constantly hearing of inhumane treatments of animals.” 

Soul Sounds now in its 12th year has always been pushing its own boundaries to explore the music and choral sphere and engage its audience in novel ways. The Animal Protection Trust is a non-profit engaged in initiatives to combat illegal transportation and slaughter of cattle and buffalo island wide, ritual animal sacrifice, promotion of humane methods of animal slaughter etc. They also focus on rehabilitation and re-homing of abandoned puppies and kittens, cats and dogs and eradication of rabies in Sri Lanka by 2017. 

Backed by a strong line-up of musicians incorporating drums, keyboards and bass under the direction of Soundarie David Rodrigo the concert is bound to present an entertaining musical evening.

The concert is sponsored by Litro Gas and Soul Sounds’ exclusive sponsors Fairway Holdings and DIMO Lanka, and proudly supported by Wijeya Newspapers. Tickets are available at the Lionel Wendt Theatre Box Office from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.