Fr Glen D'Silva combining with an Indian classical ensemble of a harmonium, a tabla and a vocalist to render two compositions from the Christa Purana.
Indian ensemble renders 'Christa Purana'
PANJIM: Fr Thomas Stevens' iconic, 16th century poetic text, 'Christa Purana' was rendered through song and dance by Fr Glen D'Silva, parish priest of Vaddem Church, Quepem, at the concluding session of the music symposium on sacred music.
Fr D'silva explained how the pioneering work of the 16th century priest needed to be further expanded and taken to the masses through the medium of song and dance. Two young dancers first rendered a composition from the Christa Purana put to song by Fr Glen and later, Fr Glen combined with an Indian classical ensemble comprising a harmonium player, a tabla player and a vocalist to render two compositions from the Christa Purana. Fr Glen played the violin and also sang the lead.
Earlier, Hannah Marsden, research scholar from the Royal Holloway University of London presented a paper on the history of symphony orchestras in erstwhile, Bombay. She explained how the latest, Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) from Mumbai was the new face of the all-Indian, western symphony orchestra. Marialena Fernandes, painist and professor at the University of Vienna spoke about her forthcoming book on Konkani Songs and the influence of the 451 year-Portuguese rule in Goa on music.
On February 19, Italian musician Paolo Pacciolla and dancer Lusia Spagna will perform at 7 pm, followed by Marialena Fernandes on piano solo at 7.45 pm at the St Monica Church, Old Goa. Donation passes available at Furtado Music, Panjim & Margao, Champs, Panjim and Mapusa.
