Soul Sounds returns with The Pop Era In Conversation with Soundarie David Rodrigo
Pop music, more than any other genre, has long carried the burden of being regarded as disposable, its brilliance obscured by familiarity. Yet history suggests otherwise. The songs that survive decades rarely do so by accident. They endure because beneath every irresistible chorus lies careful craftsmanship, emotional precision and melodies that become woven into the private histories of millions.
They are the soundtracks of first loves, long journeys, celebrations and heartbreaks. They become less like songs and more like memory itself.
It is this permanence that inspired Soundarie David Rodrigo to create The Pop Era, the latest production by Sri Lanka's premier female vocal ensemble, Soul Sounds, which returns to the stage of the Lionel Wendt Theatre on 12 July 2026. Rather than presenting a nostalgic tribute, the concert invites audiences to hear familiar classics anew through the richness, complexity and emotional depth of choral music. For Soundarie David Rodrigo, whose career has traversed the worlds of concert performance, conducting, law and cultural leadership, the appeal of pop music has never rested in spectacle alone. "As a pianist, I've always been fascinated by what lies beneath a truly great pop song," she says. It is an observation that perhaps explains Soul Sounds itself. Throughout nearly three decades, the choir has consistently resisted categorization. Sacred music, jazz, gospel, contemporary repertoire and pop have all found equal space within its performances, unified by one principle: good music deserves thoughtful interpretation, regardless of genre. For The Pop Era, that philosophy becomes the foundation rather than the footnote. Many of the songs featured in the production have quietly accompanied people's lives for decades. They have celebrated weddings and birthdays, comforted listeners through grief, filled dance floors and long car journeys, and passed effortlessly from one generation to another.
Soul Sounds has explored pop before through productions such as Sounds Like Pop, Totally 80's, Totally 90's and Totally Pop. This time, however, the intention is not to revisit familiar territory but to expand it with fresh repertoire, new arrangements and a younger generation of performers discovering these classics for themselves. That process, she admits, has become one of the production's greatest rewards. The rehearsal room became something of a conversation across generations. Songs released decades before many choir members were born gradually shed their status as historical recordings and became living works, interpreted through contemporary voices while preserving their emotional core. That balancing act between reverence and reinvention lies at the heart of every Soul Sounds arrangement. David Rodrigo approaches each song almost like an architect restoring a historic building, identifying the structural elements that cannot be disturbed while allowing the surrounding design to evolve. Whether audiences grew up with these songs or encounter some of them for the first time, she believes they will leave with something more valuable than nostalgia. "I think they'll leave with a renewed appreciation for just how timeless they really are."
Pop music is often dismissed as light entertainment, yet the songs that endure tend to define generations. What drew you to build an entire concert around The Pop Era?
As a pianist, I’ve always been fascinated by what lies beneath a truly great pop song. Strip away the production, the lights, and the effects, and you’re often left with exceptional songwriting, memorable melodies, rich harmonies, and music that has stood the test of time. Those are the qualities that musicians truly appreciate. Many of these songs have become part of people’s lives. They’ve celebrated milestones, comforted us through difficult moments, and connected entire generations. I wanted to create a concert that honors that legacy while allowing our singers to explore these songs from a fresh musical perspective. Choral music has a wonderful way of revealing colors, textures, and emotions that audiences may never have noticed before. Soul Sounds has also presented pop concerts in the past, so we felt it was the right time to introduce new songs, fresh arrangements, and new voices to the stage.
Every Soul Sounds production seems to reflect not only musical excellence but also the spirit of its members. Looking at this year's ensemble, what has been the most rewarding aspect of guiding a new generation of singers through a concert built on songs that, in many cases, were written before they were born?
One of the greatest joys has been watching the girls discover that great music has no expiry date. As we rehearsed, they began to understand why these songs became classics not simply because they were popular, but because they were beautifully written and emotionally honest. It has also been incredibly rewarding to see them make these songs their own. They’re not simply recreating the originals; they’re bringing their own personalities, energy, and voices to the music while still respecting its legacy. Putting this production together has required an enormous amount of work from selecting the repertoire to arranging the music and refining every performance. In many ways, the process has brought the entire group even closer together.
How do you approach transforming iconic pop songs into choral arrangements without losing the emotional energy that made them cultural landmarks in the first place?
It always begins with understanding what makes each song so special. Sometimes it’s the groove, sometimes it’s the lyrics, the vocal line, or simply the emotional connection people have with it. Once we identify the heart of the song, we build the arrangement around that.
The choir allows us to add rich layers of harmony, texture, and dynamic contrast without losing the essence of the original. The goal is never to imitate the recording, but to reimagine the song in a way that feels fresh while remaining instantly recognizable.
For audiences coming on July 12, what can they look forward to? Can you give us any hints about the songs or the overall vibe of the evening?
Without giving too much away, audiences can look forward to a celebration of some of the greatest voices and songs in pop history. There will be plenty of nostalgia, but also exciting new arrangements, powerful vocals, energetic choreography, and moments that are both uplifting and deeply moving. Whether you grew up listening to these songs or are hearing some of them for the very first time, I think you'll leave with a renewed appreciation for just how timeless they really are.
How would you describe the overall mood or journey of the show compared to previous Soul Sounds productions?
Every Soul Sounds production tells a different story, and this one is a celebration of music that has transcended generations. It’s a journey through songs that have become part of our collective memory, music that has made us dance, reflect, celebrate, and even heal. What makes this production unique is that while audiences will recognize many of these iconic songs, they’ll experience them in a completely new way through the sound of a choir. There are moments of tremendous energy and excitement, balanced by moments of intimacy, nostalgia, and reflection. More than anything, I hope audiences leave with a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these songs and a reminder that truly great music has the power to bring people together, regardless of age, background, or generation.
