Goan and Mangalorean stars at the ‘Nachom-ia Ghavum-ia, Konkani Fulloum-ia’ musical evening at the Our Lady of the Arabia Auditorium of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bahrain.
BAHRAIN
Stars from Goa and Mangalore presented stellar performances at the ‘Nachom-ia Ghavum-ia, Konkani Fulloum-ia’, a musical evening hosted by the Sacred heart Catholic Church Konkani Community at Our Lady of the Arabia Auditorium of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bahrain, on May 22.
Even a day or two before the main event, no one could restrain the fans from sneaking their way into the auditorium during the practice sessions in the hope of catching a glimpse or even taking a selfie with the stars from Goa and Mangalore who were flown in for the event.
The seats started filling an hour ahead of the commencement of the programme which was no mean feat by itself as it was still a working day.
THE PERFORMANCES
The Master of Ceremonies, Neola welcomed the packed auditorium, promising them a fun evening and then handed over control to the Primary Master of Ceremonies of the event, Felly Gomes.
Goa's sensation Sonia Shirsat, a national award winner (Ustad Bismillah Khan, Young Achiever Award) who holds the title of ‘Ambassador of Goan Music to the World’ for her pivotal role in popularising Mando and Fado, captivated the audience with her powerful yet soulful voice and commanding stage presence as she sang solos, starting off with ‘Hallelujah,’ and duets with her co-stars, with great charisma and confidence.
Goa's sensation Sonia Shirsat performing along with noted Goan singer and actor Lawry Travasso.
Ester Noronha, renowned and versatile actress, singer, composer, performer and classical dancer and recently turned director with ‘The Vacant House’ from Mangalore sang 'Sopnanth Mojea’. During her performances she utilized the talent and dancing skills of the children from the Konkani community in the country as they swayed and moved to the tunes as she moved the audience with every song she belted out.
Goan singer, playwright, theatre director, theatrical producer, and actor Lawry Travasso who has released more than 70 music albums moved the audience with his impressive range as he effortlessly navigated challenging melodies with a natural ease. The crowd could not contain their approval when he sang a duet with Ester, ‘Goenkar Monglurkar’ which connected with the audience.
Norman Cardozo, an arranger, composer, music director from Goa, led and directed the musicians personally, ensuring that every note was played in perfect harmony and that the music was brought to life with passion and artistry.
There were three skits put up by the Mangaloreans and Goans of the Konkani community, each one depicting unique concepts but with brilliant and hilarious dialogue, which had the audience rolling in the aisles.
A surprise performance was by the Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community, Fr Darel Fernandes, who sang his heart out to the tune of ‘Yeh Sham Mastani’, much to the delight of the audience.
The last item on the schedule was an upbeat musical tribute by all performers which prompted the audience to join in on the dance floor as the evening came to an end, despite repeated requests for an encore.
Throughout the evening, there was a vast array of traditional Goan and continental delicacies and refreshments to cater to everyone’s needs.
THE APPRECIATION
Ending with a short hymn to Mother Mary, parishioners left the Auditorium well after midnight, exhausted but satisfied.
“Our guests had come to Bahrain to entertain us but what they left behind was something far greater than their performances. They are now a part of our family, leaving lasting impressions and beautiful memories behind. As they departed from Bahrain, they took our hearts along with them which they captured from the very beginning,” said Nelson Menezes, president of the Sacred heart Catholic Church Konkani Community.
“Everyone involved, both on and offstage, should be extremely proud of their efforts as it brought the entire Konkani community together. To many, it was a joyous celebration of music, laughter and friendship from start to finish, a night which many will remember for a long time.”
