Balleilakka the Miami rework!

We just came across this great video. Currently on 30,000 views, we expect it to be a viral hit on web. Miami University Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Jeremy Jones perform ‘Balleilakka’ from the 2007 Tamil movie blockbuster Sivaji. The concert performance was filmed at the Hall Auditorium on the 29th October 2010.

The original song was sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Reihana (not to be mistaken for the singer Rihanna) and Benny Dayal. The song was composed by A.R.Rahman, the Tamil musician, producer and singer who has won numerous awards including a BAFTA Award, Golden globe, two Grammy Awards & two Academy awards for his various productions.

Credits for the performance include, Ethan Sperry for arrangements, student conductor Lara Wolford and soloists Sam Mack, Jenni Cahill & Laura Mock. We at Thamarai think its amazing to see an American choir perform a Tamil song so well, especially as the soloists probably haven’t spoken Tamil before.

The Miami University Collegiate Chorale is a select mixed choir of 100 undergraduate, graduate, and staff singers, drawn from all majors and departments at Miami University. The Chorale performs a repertoire spanning centuries of music, from Bach to Morton Lauridson, and is known worldwide for its multicultural and world music performances.