Bengaluru’s oldest choir sings for children in need

One of the oldest choirs in Bengaluru, the Cecilian Choir, is all set to perform this weekend, but with an all-new lineup of songs, which they are trying out for the first time. With an average age of 45 years, this weekend, the 32-member choir is raising funds for the Jeevarathani Foundation (that supports economically and emotionally-deprived children ranging from the 1.5-14 years, with 80% being girls) under their Service Through Song initiative.
Telling us about what’s in store on Saturday and Sunday at St Joseph’s College Auditorium, Arthur Pais, a choir member, says, “When I think of a word to describe our music, what comes to mind is ‘encyclopedic’.Our music brackets a complete genre of music — from the classics, down to modern-day music. This doesn’t mean that we are doing rap, but we will perform popular songs that have been prepared to four-part harmony. So, there will be songs by Billy Joel, Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson and Shawn Mendes. The first half is everything from Beethoven to Christina Perri. The second half is Christmas music, but with lively tunes. We have music that is more current, and unique pieces, such as a Brazilian gospel called Run Mary Run. We have woven a nice story of peace for Christmas, without it being too mushy and melodramatic.”
The change, says Arthur, was incorporated because audience appreciation has changed. But what remains constant is that the choir sings in harmony. And while they are excited about trying something new, the choir is not abandoning their classical roots. The challenge, however, was unlearning everything. “We know the tunes, but when you have to sing in harmony, you have to unlearn what you know. That was a real challenge, but we have all stepped up to the plate and have thoroughly enjoyed it,” says Arthur.
Although they have been around for over three decades, the choir has no plans of slowing down. “We have no intention of pulling up the stumps and walking off. The pace will get more rapid in the coming years. Our aim is to show that not all music happens on devices. This is a chance for people to sit in an auditorium and enjoy live music, all while making a difference to the lives of deprived children,” Arthur signs off.