Sanjeev and his singers ready for ‘Encore’
View(s):By Joanne Srikanth
By every measure, Sanjeev Jeyaratnam’s career breaks conventional boundaries. A musician who treats leadership as carefully as he does music, and trainer who brings artistic discipline into boardrooms, this fusion of precision, empathy and purpose is what defines his journey – and what shapes the bold return of The Revelations Mixed Voice Choir in ‘Encore’.
Presented by Fairway Holdings and directed by Sanjeev, Encore takes the stage at the Lionel Wendt on August 9 and 10. A year in the making, the concert reimagines beloved hits from the ’80s and ’90s with five-part harmonies, gospel and jazz influences, tabla rhythms, and unexpected chord voicings – producing original arrangements that are both technically rich and emotionally resonant, true to the Revelations’ signature style.
When Sanjeev speaks about ‘Encore’, his voice is electric with excitement. “It is a celebration of looking back with pride and choosing to move forward. A reminder that even after time has passed, you can rise again, rebuild, and become,” he says.
Encore is choreographed by Julian Anderson, whose precision and energy shape the ensemble’s onstage presence. They’ll be joined by seasoned musicians Yohan Jayasuriya on drums, Dinuka Jayasuriya on bass, and Sanjeev himself along with Shevan de Alwis and Rowena Loganathan on keyboards. Vocalist Mahira Dissanayake leads one of the programme’s featured numbers.
Formed under Sanjeev’s leadership, The Revelations Academy of Performing Arts began in 2007. The Revelations Mixed Voice Choir has choir members ranging from teenagers to adults in their 50s. For many, it’s a second home; a space defined as much by discipline and excellence as by laughter, camaraderie and what everyone described simply as ‘fun’.“Revelations is about shared purpose,” Sanjeev says. “There’s no restriction on age, faith, or background. The only requirement is commitment.”
Longtime collaborator Manik Abeyratne, now co-director, initially joining as a singer, evolved into a leadership role that has helped refine the choir’s technique and blend.
Sanjeev’s influence extends across many choirs. From school ensembles to emerging vocal groups, many have gone on to win accolades under his mentorship, both locally and on international stages. These accolades are hard-won. “I don’t believe in mediocrity,” Sanjeev says. “We live in a world that often celebrates ‘just okay’. I want young people to know they’re capable of more.”
He measures success in quieter terms. “It’s the student who once had stage-fright, now performing with confidence – that’s success,” he says. This generation learns differently. They ask questions. They want to know the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’. I welcome that. It sharpens all of us. Productivity without purpose, is just burnout in disguise.”
For Sanjeev, singing, teaching, performing and conducting aren’t separate identities. “I’m not trying to be everything. I just try to be present with whatever I’m doing. When I’m with the choir, I’m not a trainer. When I’m training, I’m not a performer. But each role strengthens the other. I believe in leaving the ladder down.”
“If this concert inspires someone to revisit a passion, raise their standards, or simply believe again – that’s our reward,” Sanjeev says. “Every season of life offers an encore. You just have to own it.”
As Encore prepares to raise its curtain, the audience won’t just be applauding a choir. They’ll be witnessing the work of a man who lives his message: if you align purpose with practice, and service with skill, you don’t need to choose between dreams.
You just need to harmonize them.
Tickets for Encore are priced at Rs. 6,000, 5,000, 4,000, 3,000, and 2,500 (Reserved). Balcony: Rs. 1,500 (Unreserved).
For reservations, WhatsApp:
0777 346 806 | Call/WhatsApp:
077 807 1054
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