The compassion of music

The Christmas season has set in early this year. Bangalore’s Cecilian Choir is all set to present a musical treat with Harmony Xotica, a fund-raising event to be held on November 23 and 24 at Good Shepherd Auditorium.

The choir will begin with a few light-hearted contemporary tunes and then plunge headfirst into Christmas Cantatas. Ably guided by Louise Pinto and Joan de Nazareth, the group of 41 singers and instrumentalists will take the audience on a melodious journey.

Sticking to their motto, ‘Service through song’, the Cecilian Choir has been serving many a worthy cause through such fund-raising events since 1982. The proceeds of this year’s concerts will go to The Congregation of Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes, which runs a 40-bed hospital for HIV, AIDS and leprosy patients in Bijapur.

“Christmas is the season of giving. Performing at this time of the year and raising funds for a good cause comes with a special feeling,” says Louise Pinto, musical director of the choir. Pinto, who trains the students of Trinity College of Music, London, has been singing for the choir since 1987.

“The choir has well-trained singers from all walks of life. We also had a few non-Christian singers at one point of time,” says Sajinie Gnanatheeban, who is the principal of Balwin Opportunity School.

Arthur Pais, an advertising professional, has been singing for the choir for the past 15 years. “I love singing, and participating in such events has made me see the realistic aspect of entertainment,” he says.

The choir guarantees the audience an evening to remember. “Choral singing is something that never goes out of style. The harmony at the concert is sure to provide plenty of entertainment,” Pais adds.

Set aside an evening for good music and making a difference in the lives those who need such acts of kindness.