Photo Credits: pre event - monte fest_1
After having completely charmed the audiences with beautiful classical music performances in its previous editions, the Monte Music Festival presented by Fundacao Oriente and Cidade de Goa is back for the 14th year. The festival which first began in 2002 will be held from February 5 to 7 at the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount, Old Goa and in the courtyard against the pretty backdrop of the scenic Chorao and Divar islands and River Mandovi. Performances which will include Indian and Western music and dance acts will begin at sunset and go on till 9 pm.
“In keeping with the aim of uniting Western and Eastern tradition, the festival will begin with a Mohan Veena recital by Ajay P Jha while Pedro Joia from Portugal will close the event with a classsical guitar concert,” informs Maria Inez Figueira, director, Fundaco Oriente while Neeta Brid, General Manager, Cidade de Goa stated that they were happy to be closely associated with the festival yet again as Cidade always look to retain the essence of Goa and promote Goan art and culture.
Other performances in the line up include the Goa University Choir (conducted by Santiago Lusardi Girelli) who will perform along with soloist noted fadista Sonia Shirsat, Capella della Luce Ensemble from Spain also directed by Girelli, and The Goa String Orchestra with Karl Lutchmayer on the piano together with the Stuti Choral Ensemble ( conducted by Pavesh Java) which will be held inside the chapel. A Bharatnatyam dance recital by Divya Rakyan Lunia and a performance by Indie folk ensemble by banglanatak got com will be held in the courtyard.
Throwing further light into the choir performances, Parvesh Java stated it was interesting to have both the Goa String Orchestra and the Stuti Choral Ensemble together. “Some of the greatest music has been inspired by religion However, finding sacred music was a challenge indeed,” he said. While Girelli revealed that the Capella della Luce Ensemble will be performing pieces from the 16-17 century and for the first time will perform pieces of Portuguese composer Gaspar Fernandes. “This is probably the first time in India that his compositions will be performed. Even in Europe it is very difficult to find these pieces,” informs Girelli.
