Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 11: With Christmas round the corner, a special programme by the 26-member Goan troupe ‘Stuti Choral Ensemble’ presented a beautiful concert of sacred choral music at Mother of Sorrows Church on Sunday, December 11.
The concert began with a melodious hymn sung by the choir of the church.
As many as 15 songs were sung by the troupe. The hymn ‘Rakun Ravla Somia’ penned by Fr Valerian Mendonca and music composed by Fr Clement Mascarenhas of Udupi diocese was sung in the presence of the original hymn writer. There were songs in Latin, Konkani and English which enthralled the audience. Viewers were mesmerized to the voice of the singers.
‘Stuti Choral Ensemble’, Goa was established by Fr Dr Eufemiano Miranda in February 2009. The passionate group of singers performing in four different voices has been fostering a culture of choral music. They have performed over 40 times in different places including Panaji, Margao, Bengaluru and even at the prestigious Monte Music Festival at Old Goa.
The singers were divided into four categories as Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Fr Dr Eufemiano Miranda conducted the choir. Louella Fernandez was the accompanist. Fr Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop of Udupi was present on the occasion. He said, “Sacred choir plays an important role in Catholic church. It is different from worldly music. To exhibit our own talent of writing, one cannot write against the scriptures of Holy Bible and teachings of the church. To sustain congregational singing, the choir must assist.”
“Choir should not be everything in holy Eucharistic celebrations. It is a part of the celebrations. No sacred song should be released without the permission of the bishop,” he added.
The same concert was organized at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar on December 9. Austine Crasta and Joel D’Almeida took efforts to organize the event in Udupi diocese. Fr Stephan D’Souza, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Fr Victor Fernandes and other priests and faithful of the diocese attended the event.