ENCORE! THE 70S, 80S AND MORE!

Sanjeev Jayaratnam is a distinguished professional who seamlessly bridges the worlds of corporate leadership and performing arts. With experience spanning global organizations such as Microsoft, Unilever, and IFS, alongside an accomplished career in choral music and education, he has become known for his ability to merge strategic thinking with artistic expression. As the creative force behind Encore! The 70s, 80s & More! he continues to inspire audiences through music, leadership, and storytelling.

What inspired you to create “Encore! The 70s, 80s & More!” and what can audiences expect from this year’s performance?

The original inspiration was quite simple. We wanted to create an evening that brings people together through songs they know and love, while presenting them in a completely fresh way. Many of these songs were the soundtrack of people’s lives. They remind us of friendships, first love, family, school days, and simpler times. Our challenge was to honour those memories while creating something new and exciting. Audiences can expect powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies, live musicians, movement, storytelling, and plenty of moments where they will find themselves singing along. Most importantly, they will hear familiar songs reimagined in ways they have never experienced before.

You have built successful careers in both the corporate world and the performing arts. How have these two journeys influenced each other?

People often see them as very different worlds, but I see many similarities. Whether you are leading a consulting team at Microsoft, directing a business transformation project, or preparing a choir for a major concert, the fundamentals remain the same. You need a clear vision, strong teamwork, discipline, trust, and the ability to bring out the best in people. My corporate experience helped me become more organised and strategic as a conductor, while music taught me the importance of creativity, empathy, and human connection. Each has made me better at the other.

Having worked with global organizations such as Microsoft, Unilever, and IFS, what leadership lessons have helped you succeed as a choral conductor?

One lesson stands above all others: people perform best when they feel valued. In both business and music, leadership is not about telling people what to do. It is about helping them see what they are capable of becoming. High standards and genuine care must go hand in hand. When people know you believe in them, they are often capable of far more than they think.

The music of the 70s and 80s continues to resonate across generations. What makes these decades so special to you personally?

I grew up with much of this music, so there is a natural emotional connection. Beyond nostalgia, many songs from that era were brilliantly written. They had memorable melodies, meaningful lyrics, strong musicianship, and an authenticity that still speaks to people today. What is remarkable is that teenagers in our choir, born decades later, connect with these songs just as deeply as those who originally heard them on the radio. Our choir spans ages 14 to 50, and it is inspiring to see generations united through music.

This concert promises audiences songs they have “never heard before.” How have you reimagined these classic hits for the stage?

We have approached the songs with respect, but we have not been afraid to be creative. Some pieces have been transformed through rich choral harmonies, others through unexpected transitions, fresh arrangements, new vocal textures, audience participation, and moments of storytelling and drama. Our goal was never to imitate the originals, but to explore new possibilities within great music.

You have inspired thousands through motivational speaking and transformational coaching. How does music contribute to personal growth and transformation?

Music has an incredible ability to reach places that words alone often cannot. It builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and emotional awareness. It teaches people to listen, contribute, and trust one another. Over the years, I have seen shy young people gain confidence, struggling students discover purpose, and individuals overcome personal challenges through music. It helps people become better versions of themselves.

What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards in preparing the choir for “Encore! The 70s, 80s & More!”?

One challenge is the diversity of the choir. Members range from 14 to 50 years old, with many balancing studies, careers, and family responsibilities. Bringing everyone together and maintaining a consistently high standard requires great dedication. The reward comes when singers grow individually, friendships form, and a group becomes something greater than the sum of its parts. Watching the performance take shape is deeply fulfilling.

As someone who has won world and Asian championships in choral music, how do you see the future of choral music in Sri Lanka?

I am very optimistic. Sri Lanka has extraordinary talent, passionate singers, committed conductors, and audiences who appreciate quality music. The challenge is creating more opportunities for young people to perform and learn. With continued investment in education and high standards, Sri Lankan choirs can compete at the highest global level.

You have successfully balanced careers in technology, business, education, and music. Which of these roles has taught you the most about yourself, and why?

I cannot point to just one. Each role has taught me something different. The corporate world taught strategy, leadership, and results. Education taught patience, communication, and the joy of helping others grow. Music taught creativity, perseverance, teamwork, and emotional connection. Ultimately, all these experiences share common lessons: success depends on people, relationships, trust, continuous learning, and working towards something greater than us. Together, they have shaped who I am today.

For those attending the concert on July 18 and 19, what message or feeling do you hope they take home after the final performance?

I hope they leave feeling uplifted. Life can be busy and stressful, and for a couple of hours I hope people can forget their worries, reconnect with music, and share a meaningful experience. If they leave smiling, singing a song from the show, and feeling a little more hopeful than when they arrived, then we will have achieved our goal.