Dr Charles V Furtado, president, Balmatta Musical Association
Mangaluru, Oct 11: ‘A choir unites voices, an orchestra unites instruments and music unites hearts across generations.’
A hundred years is more than a measure of time; it is a testament to vision, commitment, perseverance, and the enduring power of a shared purpose. As the Balmatta Musical Association (BMA) completes a glorious century of existence in 2026, the association celebrates on October 25 at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, an institution that has enriched the musical, spiritual, and cultural life of Mangaluru while remaining faithful to its motto, ‘Aim High.’
The story of BMA began in May 1926, when, under the leadership of Rev R Sathyavratha, the then pastor of Shanthi Church, Balmatta, a group of enthusiastic members gathered at the BEM Theological Seminary to establish an association dedicated to nurturing musical talent and promoting the cause of church music. Its origins, however, reach further back to the pioneering Basel Mission missionaries and their successors, who introduced and nurtured Western music in this region. When many missionaries returned to Europe after the First World War, the responsibility of preserving this musical tradition increasingly rested with local musicians and church members. The BMA emerged from this determination to sustain and develop that legacy through local initiative and resources.
From its earliest years, the association aspired to reach beyond the confines of the church. Its first sacred music concert, held on November 26, 1926, featured compositions by European masters, including Handel, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Subsequent programmes introduced audiences to the works of Mendelssohn and other classical composers. A landmark public concert at Government College, Mangaluru, on December 19, 1934, helped establish the association’s reputation among the wider public.
Over the decades, BMA has become one of the enduring institutions devoted to choral and orchestral music in the region. Its history is distinguished by a remarkable spirit of voluntary service. Generations of conductors, instrumentalists, singers, and administrators have contributed their time, expertise, and talent without expecting remuneration. This spirit of dedication has been central to the association’s survival and success.
Among its distinguished musical leaders were Ezra Joshua, J Amoda, Theodore Melville, Godwin Weltha, A P Roberts, W A Salins, and Denzil Karkada. Their contribution extended beyond performances: they nurtured talent, trained musicians, and helped build a tradition that successive generations could inherit. Particularly noteworthy was the 49-year musical stewardship of Denzil Karkada, whose dedication shaped the choir and orchestra for nearly five decades. Following his demise in 2012, Oscar Weltha, an accomplished musician in his own right, took over as music director, continuing the association’s commitment to musical excellence.
BMA’s influence has extended well beyond sacred music. The discipline, musical literacy, and ensemble skills acquired through choral and orchestral training have equipped many members to explore other musical genres, including popular music, rock, jazz, rhythm and blues, and reggae. In this way, the association has contributed to the development of musicians who have enriched the wider musical landscape of coastal Karnataka.
Its milestones testify to a century of perseverance: the Silver Jubilee in 1951, Golden Jubilee in 1977, Diamond Jubilee in 1986, Platinum Jubilee in 2002, and 90th anniversary in 2017. Registration under the Societies Registration Act in 1957 and affiliation with the Mysore State Sangeetha Natak Academy in 1962 strengthened its institutional foundations. Performances broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan, recordings of Kannada hymns, public concerts, and musical outreach programmes further extended its reach.
In recent years, BMA has continued to embrace new opportunities. Its participation in the Swaraanjali concerts organised by St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in 2025 and 2026 reflects its continuing relevance and readiness to collaborate with other institutions. The establishment of its Instagram page in 2026 is another step towards reaching wider audiences.
As the BMA celebrates this centenary, it remembers with gratitude the pioneers, office-bearers, music directors, musicians, benefactors, and well-wishers whose contributions have sustained the association. The BMA is especially grateful to CSI Shanthi Cathedral for its continuing support.
Yet, a centenary is not merely an occasion to look back. It is also a call to prepare for the future. The involvement of younger generations is essential if BMA is to preserve its heritage, discover fresh talent, and remain vibrant for another century. The association aims to encourage young people to take ownership of its mission and carry forward its traditions with imagination and renewed commitment.
The centenary choral and orchestral concert, scheduled for October 25 at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, will celebrate the achievements of the past while renewing the BMA's commitment to the future.
The association warmly invites music lovers of Mangaluru and the surrounding region to join the historic centenary choral and orchestral concert on October 25 at Don Bosco Hall. Attendees can savour an enriching musical treat featuring the timeless beauty of choral harmonies and orchestral compositions, and celebrate a hundred years of musical heritage and dedicated service. The public's presence will be more than an expression of appreciation for music; it will be a gesture of encouragement, support, and solidarity with the Balmatta Musical Association as it embarks on its next century. The BMA hopes that people will come together in large numbers to make this landmark celebration memorable and to ensure that this cherished musical tradition continues to inspire generations to come.
As it celebrates a hundred years of musical heritage and dedicated service, the BMA gives thanks to the Almighty, whose grace and guidance have sustained the association through the generations. The words of the Psalmist aptly express its gratitude and hope:
“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100: 5 (KJV)
May the Balmatta Musical Association continue to nurture talent, unite people through music, and serve the community with dedication. A century behind it; generations ahead of it. Aim High — and may the music continue.