PANAJI
The popular annual Monte Music Festival (MMF) will begin on February 2 at the Chapel of Our Lady of Monte in Old Goa. The three-day event, presented by Fundacao Oriente and Cidade de Goa, will commence at the heritage site on the hilltop at the chapel of the Monte in Old Goa and will move to Benaulim in South Goa on the third day (February 4) for the final ensemble. The festival is known for the celebration of music, dance, and cultural heritage. Indian and international performers together will display classical and contemporary exponents in breathtaking performances on all three days.
The festival, which aims to foster a dialogue between Western and Indian classical performing arts, started in 2002 after the restoration of the XVI-century Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte by Fundação Oriente. The festival aims to foster a dialogue between Western and Indian classical performing arts. Year after year in February, the courtyard and the chapel host a series of concerts, inspiring musicians and attendees alike. The concerts are free for the public.
On the initial two days of the festival, soft melodies on the sitar by Dr Sweekar Katti and friends will be presented, along with an enchanting Indian dance performance and a Portuguese musical act. The last day of the festival will be celebrated at St John the Baptist Church in Benaulim in South Goa, with Paranjoti Academy Chorus, a 34-member a cappella group, taking center stage to deliver a memorable performance.
The organizers mention that parking of private vehicles will not be permitted at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa, and attendees are requested to avail of the shuttle service provided from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa.
