POP-UP CHOIR
Sri Lanka is preparing to witness a musical experience unlike anything it has seen before as the country’s first ever Pop-Up Choir takes centre stage at Havelock City Mall on the 16th of May 2026. Bringing together music lovers, families, aspiring singers, and members of the public in one vibrant celebration of community and creativity, the initiative promises to transform an ordinary evening into a powerful shared musical experience.
Presented by Soul Sounds Academy and spearheaded by acclaimed musician and choir director Soundarie David Rodrigo together with the Academy’s Vocal Department, the Pop-Up Choir introduces a fresh concept to Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape. Participants from all walks of life will gather for a single day of rehearsing, learning, and ultimately performing together as one united choir.
Set against the dynamic atmosphere of Havelock City Mall, the event is expected to draw large crowds and significant public attention. Beginning with rehearsals at 4.30 pm and culminating in a live public performance at 6.00 pm, the experience is designed to encourage connection, confidence, and joy through the universal language of music.
What makes the Pop-Up Choir particularly unique is its accessibility. Unlike traditional choirs that often require auditions, extensive practice schedules, or prior vocal training, this initiative is open to everyone. Participants simply need enthusiasm and a willingness to sing together. No previous experience is necessary, making it an inclusive opportunity for individuals who may never before have considered themselves performers.
The debut performance will feature a Michael Jackson medley, giving participants the chance to celebrate some of the world’s most iconic music while becoming part of a larger collective artistic moment. The music of Michael Jackson has long transcended borders and generations, making it an ideal choice for an event built around unity, excitement, and shared emotion.
At its heart, the Pop-Up Choir is about much more than entertainment. Organisers say the initiative was conceived as a way to create meaningful social interaction and emotional wellbeing through collective singing. In a world where stress, isolation, and digital fatigue increasingly shape daily life, the event seeks to remind people of the simple joy of coming together in person to create something uplifting.
Research conducted internationally has consistently shown that singing in groups can reduce stress, improve mood, strengthen social bonds, and increase feelings of belonging. By introducing this concept locally, Soul Sounds Academy hopes to encourage Sri Lankans to rediscover the emotional and psychological benefits of communal creativity.
“This initiative is about more than music,” Soundarie explained. “It is about creating joy, reducing stress, encouraging creative expression, and reminding people of the power of human connection through collective singing.”
For Soundarie David Rodrigo, whose work with choral music has inspired audiences both locally and internationally, the event represents another step in making music more accessible and community driven. Over the years, she has become synonymous with innovative vocal performances and youth musical development in Sri Lanka.
Through Soul Sounds Academy, she has nurtured a generation of singers while continually pushing the boundaries of what choral music can achieve. The Academy itself has earned a reputation as one of the country’s leading platforms for vocal excellence and artistic education. Known for cultivating discipline, confidence, creativity, and performance skills among young singers, Soul Sounds Academy has consistently promoted music as a tool for empowerment and connection.
The Pop-Up Choir now extends that philosophy beyond formal music education and into the public sphere. By inviting everyday people to become part of the experience, the organisers are effectively democratising performance and encouraging a broader culture of participation in the arts.
The choice of Havelock City Mall as the venue also reflects the organisers’ vision of making music part of public life. Modern malls have increasingly evolved into lifestyle and community hubs, and this event aims to transform the space into a platform for shared artistic expression. Shoppers and visitors will not simply watch a performance. They will witness the creation of a choir in real time as strangers come together and discover harmony both musically and socially. The initiative is presented in partnership with Havelock City Mall, Havelock City, and Mireka Seascape, with support from TVS, Speedmark, Cargills, Chinese Dragon, and Yamaha. Their involvement highlights a growing recognition among brands and corporate partners of the importance of supporting wellness oriented and community centred initiatives.
Events such as the Pop-Up Choir also create opportunities for meaningful engagement between brands and the public. Rather than conventional advertising, supporting a community experience rooted in positivity and creativity allows organisations to connect with audiences in a more authentic and emotionally resonant manner. Internationally, Pop Up Choirs have become increasingly popular because of their ability to break down barriers between performers and audiences. They foster spontaneity, inclusivity, and a sense of shared achievement that traditional performances sometimes lack.
In Sri Lanka, where music and collective celebration have always played an important cultural role, the concept appears especially timely. The country’s rich traditions of choir singing, religious music, and communal festivals already demonstrate a strong appreciation for collective artistic expression. The Pop-Up Choir takes those familiar values and reimagines them in a contemporary and accessible format. The event also arrives at a moment when conversations around mental wellness and emotional health are becoming increasingly important. Organisers hope the experience will encourage participants to embrace creativity not only as entertainment but also as a form of personal wellbeing and social connection.
For many participants, the experience may be transformative. Walking into a rehearsal space filled with strangers and leaving as part of a unified musical performance can create an extraordinary sense of achievement and belonging. The organisers hope that feeling will remain long after the final note is sung. Beyond the music itself, the event symbolises optimism and togetherness. It reflects the idea that communities can still gather around joy, creativity, and human connection in meaningful ways. In an era often characterised by division and distraction, the image of hundreds of voices joining together in harmony carries a powerful message.
As anticipation builds for the 16th of May 2026, the Pop-Up Choir is already generating excitement among music enthusiasts and the wider public. With free registration and an open invitation to all, the organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to step forward and take part in this landmark cultural moment. Whether participants are seasoned singers or complete beginners, the message behind the initiative remains simple. Music belongs to everyone, and sometimes the most memorable performances are created not by professionals alone, but by ordinary people coming together with open hearts and a shared spirit of celebration.
Sri Lanka’s first ever Pop-Up Choir may begin as a single evening event, but its impact could resonate far beyond one performance. By blending music, community, creativity, and emotional wellbeing into one joyful experience, the initiative has the potential to inspire a new era of participatory cultural engagement in the country. On the 16th of May at Havelock City Mall, hundreds of voices will rise together not only in song, but also in celebration of unity, expression, and the enduring joy of singing together.
