Dr Charles V Furtado, president, BMA
Mangaluru, Oct 30: The Balmatta Musical Association (BMA), Mangaluru, marked a glorious milestone in its hundred-year journey with a spectacular centenary choral and orchestral concert at Don Bosco Hall on Sunday, October 25. The evening was not merely a celebration of music and heritage, but also a profound expression of gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing grace and providence throughout the association’s century-long existence.
For the BMA fraternity, the overwhelming success of the concert was a beautiful testimony to ‘Jehovah Jireh’ – ‘The Lord will provide’. The members were deeply conscious that the remarkable success of the centenary celebrations was ultimately a blessing from God, who had sustained the association through changing times, generations of musicians and a hundred years of dedicated service.
The response was truly extraordinary. Despite the absence of air-conditioning in the auditorium, more than 700 music lovers filled the hall to capacity, demonstrating their affection for the BMA and their appreciation of its musical legacy. The concert’s reach extended well beyond the auditorium, with the live stream having garnered over 13,000 views to date. The association also received a deluge of congratulatory messages, accolades and expressions of goodwill from well-wishers, former members and music enthusiasts from different quarters.
One of the most widely appreciated aspects of the evening was the punctual commencement of the programme at precisely 5 pm, the scheduled time, with the welcome address by Dr Charles V Furtado, president of BMA. The meticulous planning and coordination behind the event were reflected in its seamless execution. The synchronised and melodious choral presentations, complemented by the rhythmic precision and flawless renditions of the orchestra, received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
The programme offered a rich and varied musical experience. The orchestra opened with Sydney H Gambrell’s ‘The King’s March’, followed by a congregational hymn in Kannada and an opening prayer by Rev Goldin Bangera, presbyter of Shanthi Cathedral. The full choir presented Caleb Simper’s ‘Awake Thou That Sleepest’ and ‘We Will Rejoice’, both Easter anthems, setting a fitting musical tone for the evening.
The Men’s Choir presented a medley featuring ‘Yehovanemma Kuruba’, ‘Love Lifted Me’ and ‘There Is Power in the Blood’, while the Senior’s Choir rendered Edmund S Lorenz’s ‘They That Trust in the Lord’. The Strings ensemble captivated the audience with Mozart’s ‘Ave Verum’. The programme also featured a special orchestral presentation, ‘Marche aux Flambeaux’, by Scotson Clark.
The formal proceedings included felicitations, an address by chief guest Rev Fr Prashant Madtha SJ, director of the Konkani Institute, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, and greetings by guest of honour Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, bishop, Karnataka Southern Diocese. A significant highlight was the release of the BMA centenary souvenir, marking an important milestone in documenting and preserving the association’s rich history.
Distinguished dignitaries grace the occasion
The centenary celebrations were further enriched by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries from ecclesiastical, academic and musical circles, whose participation added considerable prestige to the occasion. As a gesture of the association’s appreciation and regard, each of these distinguished guests was warmly acknowledged with a rose.
Among those present were Rev Dr Rajesh Rosario, rector, St Joseph’s Seminary; Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor, St Aloysius University; Rev Dr Melwyn D’Cunha, pro-vice-chancellor, St Aloysius University; Rev Clifford Sequeira, principal, St Aloysius PU College; Sr Lourdes B S, principal, St Theresa's ICSE School; Rev Ivan Soans, treasurer, KSD, Rev Goldin Bangera, chairman, DK Area Council & Rev Kishore Kumar, chairman, Udupi Area Council.
The gathering also included Chethan R, principal, Hebich Technical Training Institute; Sr Jeswina, former principal of St Agnes College; Wg Cdr I D Soans, accomplished violinist and chief guest at the BMA’s 90th anniversary celebrations; Dr E V S Maben, leading physician; Cecelia Albuquerque, Oscar Weltha’s violin teacher and Rev Dr Chandrashekhar Soans, who represented the members of the 1976 and 1982 batches of Karnataka Theological College.
Their gracious presence was a heartening affirmation of the goodwill, esteem and enduring relationships that the BMA has nurtured over its hundred-year journey.
In his inspiring address, Fr Prashant Madtha SJ underscored the sacramental dimension of singing and music, observing that the BMA had been offering this precious gift to God consistently for a hundred years. Emphasising that music is not merely something that we learn but something that already resides within us, he remarked that, in many ways, all of us are musicians. He wished the BMA God’s munificent blessings as it continued its journey through the coming years, bringing glory to God and nurturing musical talent among the younger generation. His reflections beautifully captured the spiritual essence of the association’s century-long musical ministry.
The guest of honour, Rt Rev Hemachandra Kumar, bishop of the Karnataka Southern Diocese, observed that it was indeed rare for associations in the contemporary world to celebrate a hundred years of sustained existence and service. He congratulated the BMA on reaching this remarkable milestone and extended his best wishes for its continued success and fruitful journey in the years ahead.
The second half featured Caleb Simper’s ‘Emmanuel’ (Christmas Anthem), followed by a full choir medley comprising ‘Thanks to God for My Redeemer’, ‘God Is Still on the Throne’ and ‘He Keeps Me Singing’. The Young Voices brought youthful energy to the evening with Mansion ‘Over the Hilltop’, ‘Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me’ and ‘Soon and Very Soon’. The concert culminated in another stirring anthem by Caleb Simper, ‘Fear Not, O Land’, presented by the full choir. The congregational hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, closing prayer, Lord’s Prayer and Benediction, and the orchestral postlude ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ brought the memorable musical celebration to a fitting conclusion.
A memorable tribute to a century of dedicated service
Perhaps one of the most touching and meaningful features of the evening was the special felicitation of former office-bearers and stalwarts who had contributed immensely to the growth and musical journey of the BMA. The association took this opportunity to acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the selfless service of those who had steered its affairs and nurtured its musical tradition over the decades.
Among those honoured were Rt Rev Dr J S Sadananda, Rt Rev Dr C L Furtado, Rev Sydney Salins, Manohar Vergis, Immanuel Pramodan, Shashipal Shettian and F M Lobo. Eunice Karkada, wife of the late Denzil Karkada, was also felicitated in recognition of her husband’s extraordinary contribution to the association. The late Denzil Karkada had served as the BMA’s music director for an exceptional 49 years, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The president, Dr Charles V Furtado, secretary Reginold Soans and music director Oscar Weltha were also felicitated in recognition of their dedicated and selfless service to the association. Soans, in particular, has an impressive record of 34 years of service to the BMA. The felicitations were a heartfelt acknowledgement of the fact that the association’s hundred-year journey has been made possible by the commitment, sacrifice and vision of successive generations of office-bearers, musicians and supporters.
Another aspect that captured the imagination of the audience was the outstanding anchoring by Samuel Peters, the compere for the evening. His confident and engaging presentation, astounding command of the proceedings and impeccable sense of timing ensured a smooth, efficient and polished flow of events, without unnecessary delays or interruptions.
His meticulously prepared script was particularly appreciated for the wealth of interesting and relevant information it provided about the choirs, orchestra, composers, historical backgrounds of the compositions and their distinctive musical nuances. His contribution added considerable value to the concert, making it not only an enjoyable musical experience but also an informative and enriching one.
The success of an event of this magnitude is invariably the result of painstaking preparation, teamwork and attention to detail. Scores of congratulatory messages received after the concert specifically acknowledged the meticulous organisation and the remarkable coordination displayed by the president, secretary and music director. Their collective efforts in overseeing the numerous dimensions of the centenary celebrations ensured that the concert lived up to the stature and significance of the historic occasion.
Acknowledging the supporting partners
The BMA also places on record its sincere appreciation for the invaluable support extended by its service providers and institutional partners, whose professionalism and commitment contributed immensely to the success of this milestone event.
Ashok Pereira of Sound Scape Technologies Pro Sound & Lights deserves special appreciation for providing flawless, pristine sound and lighting that significantly enhanced the musical experience. Kevin Maben of Stream Verge ensured excellent audio-video recording and seamless live streaming, enabling thousands of music lovers beyond the auditorium to be part of the celebrations. Ashirvad Arrangers did a commendable job with the stage setting, while Neil Simon of Joshua Studio meticulously captured the memorable moments through photography.
The BMA also gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Computer Animation, St Aloysius Deemed to be University & Praveen Tauro from Daijiworld, for their assistance with publicity, the Balmatta Institute of Printing Technology, D S Computers & Bharath Digitals for efficiently meeting the association’s diverse printing requirements and Patrao Caterers for providing the refreshments.
The BMA understands that the success of a grand celebration of this magnitude is built not only on the dedication of its members and performers but also on the expertise, cooperation and commitment of numerous partners working behind the scenes. Their contribution was invaluable, and the association extends its heartfelt thanks to each one of them.
A legacy of a hundred years and a promise for the future
Founded in May 1926 under the initiative of Rev R Sathyavratha, then pastor of Shanthi Church (now CSI Shanthi Cathedral), the Balmatta Musical Association has traversed a remarkable journey of a hundred years. Inspired by the Basel Mission’s rich musical heritage, the association has remained committed to promoting choral and orchestral music, fostering musical talent and bringing people together through the universal language of music.
From its early beginnings to its silver jubilee in 1951, golden jubilee in 1977, diamond jubilee in 1986, platinum jubilee in 2002 and the 80th anniversary in 2006, the BMA has consistently celebrated its milestones with a deep sense of purpose. Its centenary is a tribute to the generations of music directors, conductors, choristers, instrumentalists, office-bearers and well-wishers who have kept its musical tradition alive.
The overwhelming response to the centenary choral and orchestral concert, both within the auditorium and through digital platforms, has reaffirmed the association’s enduring relevance in the cultural and musical landscape of Mangaluru.
As the congratulatory messages continue to pour in, the BMA fraternity looks back on this historic occasion with immense satisfaction and, above all, profound gratitude to Almighty God. The concert was much more than a successful musical presentation; it was a celebration of faith, fellowship, dedication and the enduring power of music.
A hundred years of harmony have culminated in an evening that will remain etched in the memories of all who witnessed it. Indeed, the BMA’s centenary celebration was an event worthy of its glorious legacy – a fitting tribute to the past, a celebration of the present and an inspiring promise for the future.
To God be the glory – for a hundred years of music, fellowship and amazing providence.