It was an emotional moment for Malayalam’s popular music composer duo Berny-Ignatius on Wednesday when they along with their family served up a grand musical feast to the patients at the Government General Hospital here as part of the ‘Arts and Medicine’ programme organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF).
The brothers have a sentimental attachment to the Government General Hospital as their father John Puthenveetil, who initiated them into the music world, breathed his last at this hospital.
“It was our father who taught us music and it was at this hospital where he left us for the heavenly abode. We are happy to be part of this programme and will extend all our support to this initiative,” said Ignatius.
The award-winning composers, who immortalised songs in movies like Thenmavin Kombath and Chandralekha, enthralled the audience with their majestic performance. The programme, which was interlaced with medleys and popular Malayalam songs like Malayalipenne Ninte and Olenjalikkuruvi, received a standing ovation from the audience, comprising patients, bystanders, staff and medical students.
Ignatius’ son Subin, who is a noted playback singer, Berny’s sons Tansen and Keerthi and daughter Serin, along with violinist and singer Roopa (of Amrita super star global fame) performed at the event.
Wednesday’s programme was the fourteenth in the series being conducted by the KBF with guidance from Iva Fattorini, Chair of Global Arts and Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and Ernakulam district administration. Mehboob Memorial Orchestra has been giving musical support to the programme.
Ever since the KBF launched the project, the programme has been catching the attention of art lovers and doctors across the state. The project was launched by Union Minister for Food and Agriculture Prof K V Thomas on February 1.