From the Editor's desk :-

Dear Do..Re..Me..Fa.. browzers,

As I was watchfully glancing the magnificent Konkann Skies in my regular hunt for a shining star to present to you as a 'Christmas gift' through this melodious music column, without much of a struggle I found a super star.  A star, which was born on the beautiful coastland of 'Mangalore' and after having seen a substantial growth in its talents, moved to the glorious city of Mumbai and shone brightly there.  This star has its own twinkle and originality. The great star, which I'm referring to, is none other than "Sangeeth Ratna" Shri Victor Concessao.

Down the memory lane, I recall those precious childhood days where I never used to miss the diocesan level singing competitions conducted every year by Konkanni Natak Sabha at the famous Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore.  I still remember those great numbers composed by Victor Concessao, like 'Niskollpon' sung by Marjorie Kent, and 'Bharathanth Sukhi Konn' a duet song sung by A.L.Monis and Stany D'Souza. Both of these songs won the First Place and ultimately resulted in winning the prestigious rolling shield for Rosario Church, Mangalore that year.  Victor's another most popular Tulu song 'Nama Kudladha Ooruye' is still echoing in my ears. His other songs like 'Bombil Mary', 'Mother Theresa', 'Buinkamp' were great hits of that time. Also there are many other most popular songs composed by Victor, which have succeeded in making the Konkanni music lovers really joyful and happy.

The great quality which Shri Victor possesses is his simplicity.  Though he is such a great talented singer and a composer, he is having a down-to-earth personality.  During this month of December he will perform four musical shows in and around Mangalore.  On your behalf I wish Shri Victor Concessao a great success in all his forthcoming musical shows.

Though he is a veteran singer and composer he never had an opportunity to travel abroad to perform his musical shows.  I urge the various associations in the Gulf and other parts of the globe who often organize musical shows in the Gulf to encourage the unique talent of this great artiste and to give him an opportunity to perform his shows.  I'm fully confident that my ardent appeal will not go unheard.

Before playing this sweet musical Chord I take this opportunity to wish each one of you A Very Merry Christmas.  I pray that each one of you may experience the birth of Christ our Saviour, in your heart. As we conclude this God-given wonderful year of 2003, I thank God for all His choicest blessings bestowed on each one of us during this entire year.  Together with Do-Re-Me-Fa family I wish you a Happy, Prosperous, Bright, Healthy and Peaceful New Year - 2004. 

See you again in the New Year, same site and same column with new melodious and pleasant musical chords. Until then, bye.

Have a great Christmas!

Gerry D'Mello

"SANGEET RATNA"  -  SHRI VICTOR CONCESSAO

Shri Victor Concessao, the "Sangeet Ratna" is a tender Konkanni musical bud of Mangalore which has flowered and blossomed in Mumbai and has spread its frangrance to the entire Konkan world!  Victor whom parents fondly addressed by the pet name "Ittu" was born to a locally popular "gumtam master" late Shri Lazarus Concessao and his wife late Smt. Alice Concessao on 12th May 1951 in the parish of Derebail, Mangalore.  In all probability, Shri Lazarus must have celebrated the birth of his son "Ittu" with the thunderous beats and artistic percussions of his "gumtam" drums, which are now re-echoing through his son Victor all over the Konkan world with his unique musical talents!

Vict