Muscat: Elysium - Live in Concert Takes Music to New Heights
Report: Clarence Pinto
Pics: Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Apr 10: Music has neither a beginning nor an end; it does not hold boundaries of nations or religions or colours or creed. It is just a phenomenon, a heart-touching experience that could unite many diverse minded people at one venue, for one purpose. Many a time, though lyrics of the songs could be unknown to the listeners, the melody could bind music lovers together.
That is what the Mangalorean Desi Rock Band did at the lawns of Indian Embassy in Al Khuwair on Thursday April 7 from 8 pm onwards. The incredible team of the Mangalorean community, lead by Chris Vaz, Pitamber Alke (who sadly passed away on April 8), Ramesh Shettigar, Benedict Pereira and Suraj Rebello did a marvelous job in presenting a scintillating musical extravaganza for music buffs of many Indian states and countries of the world by hosting one of the finest youth rock bands of Mangalore.
Good music, brilliant songs, lively atmosphere, wonderful arrangements, attractive stage settings and fun-loving audience were the highlights of the Band Elysium - Live in Concert. "We are thrilled to be here and this is an awesome experience for everyone in Elysium," said lead singer of the band Joel Rebello. "We had done a thorough preparation for the event and the organizers gave us perfect support in every stage. The music was enjoyed by everyone and the participation of the audience was great. We look forward to more events of this nature to promote an enjoyable variety of music across the globe."
The show was presented under the patronage of Anil Wadhwa, ambassador of India to Oman and organized by the Mangalorean community in Oman in association with the Indian Embassy. Ligory D'Mello and Margaret D'Mello of Technofit Trading LLC, a well-known oil and gas service providing company were the main sponsors of the event.
Jaya Ramesh, a prominent social activist of the Mangalorean community, welcomed the audience. Anil Wadhwa was escorted to the stage by the organizing committee, Chris Vaz, Pitamber Alke, Ramesh Shettigar, Benedict Pereira and Suraj Rebello. The senior-most member of the organizing committee and multi-talented community leader Pitamber Alke honoured the ambassador of India with a traditional shawl. Ligory D'Mello and Margaret D'Mello, the guests of honour, presented Anil Wadhwa traditional mementos. Chris Vaz, expressing gratitude for the enormous support extended by the ambassador, presented a citation.
Anil Wadhwa in his address expressed great joy in witnessing a youth band of Mangalore performing in Oman for the first time. He also highlighted the speciality of the band and their performance.
The lead vocalists of the evening were Joel Rebello and Melwin D'Souza who rendered some of the finest songs of Hindi, English and Konkani. The second half of the programme was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. They were perfectly supported by Loy Valentine on keyboard, Darrel Mascarenhas on drums, Ashish Palanna on lead guitar and Ashely Michael on base guitar.
The concert commenced with Band Elysium's original compositions, including the number one song in Karnataka selected for ICC World Cup 2011, songs on friendship, love and life. There were many well-known songs in Hindi, English and Konkani were presented and the young and the old took over the dance floor.
One of the well-known choreographers of the Mangalorean community in Oman, Sonia D'Souza, choreographed baila dance, which was performed by Mark, Saurav Rebello, Alston Moras, Snedon, Amanda Pinto, Carol D'Souza, Megan D'Souza, Shaina Rebello and Ronald D'Souza.
Chris Vaz proposed the vote of thanks expressing gratitude to everyone who had extended wholehearted support to stage the concert.
The supporting sponsors were Oman UAE Exchange, Consolidated Contractors Co LLC, Nawras, Talentz Centre LLC, Services and Trade, Afcons Infrastructure Limited, Lahoob Trading Est., Multitech Contracting LLC (Interior Designers and Contractors), Air India, Oman United Agencies, Uday Khimji International, Zahrat Al Rawdha Trading, TVI Express, Hasan Juma Backer Trading and Contracting Co LLC, Ijlaal Trading LLC (Beauty Parlour Division), HiTec Centre LLC, Muscat Printing Press and Red Rose Furnishing Co LLC.