Singing is an art form that enthrals the listener. Our association with songs and singing started with mother’s lullabies that made us slip into the world of fantasy in no time. Songs stimulate the tired mind and soothe the grieving heart. There is no person in this world who does not tap his feet listening to songs. Composers have used songs as a medium to express their sentiments – and that of the masses – on love, affection, anguish, helplessness, contemporary issues, injustice and the innumerable bonds we develop with people around us while living in the society. The Konkani songs have – since time immemorial – exuded the flavour of the soil which invariably makes the listener nostalgic.
There is no denying that Angelore is a treasure trove of talents. Angeloreans – young and old alike – excel in singing, dancing, dramatics, games and sports; you name it and you find an Angelorean there. The memories of Children’s Day celebration that showcased the talent of more than 100 children of the parish on stage are still vivid in the minds of the parishioners.
To showcase the singing talent of the parishioners, the Guardian Angel Church Choir organised singing competition on Sunday, 5th November 2023. The competition was held across 14 categories starting from 5 years with no upper age limit. The enthusiasm of the participants was evident by the number of participants: there were 91 entries in total. While the 8-12 years age group attracted highest number of entries with 17 contestants, the jewel in the crown was the Senior Citizens’ category which attracted 7 entries in Ladies’ Solo and 3 entries in the Gents’ Solo – no mean feat by any standard. The tiny tots aged 5-8 years sang without inhibition and mesmerised the audience.
The lots were taken at 4.00 p.m. and at 5.00 p.m. the competition commenced. The number of contestants in each category was as follows:
5-8 years: 9 entries
8-12 years: 17 entries
12-16 years (girls): 6 contestants
12-16 years (boys): 4 contestants
16-35 years (ladies solo): 10 contestants
16-35 years (gents’ solo): 3 contestants
35-60 years (ladies’ solo): 7 contestants
35-60 years (gents’ solo): 8 contestants
60 years and above (ladies’ solo): 7 contestants
60 years and above (gents’ solo): 3 contestants
16 years and above (ladies’ duet): 4 contestants
16 years and above (gents’ duet): 3 contestants
Married couples: 4 contestants
Hymns: 6 contestants
While quite a few songs brought back the childhood memories of the audience, they were treated with a wide variety of songs – some of which they heard for the first time. The young musicians of the parish – guitarists and drummers – were ever-ready to provide musical accompaniment to whoever approached them for lending a helping hand.
However, the most beautiful thing about this singing competition was that it provided a platform to innumerable new faces hitherto unheard of and introduced their talent to the audience.
The singing prowess of the contestants was evaluated by three renowned judges of the Konkani Catholic community, who need no introduction: Mr. Alwyn D’Cunha, Derebail; Ms. Shilpa Cutinha, Cordel; and Ms. Raina Sequeira, Cordel.
The winners of the competition are as follows:
5-8 years
First: Elvina Serrao
Second: Advik Misquith
Third: Aldria Gonsalves
8-12 years
First: Lareina Lobo
Second: Riya Misquith
Third: Anishka Vodeyar
12-16 years (girls)
First: Princia Pinto
Second: Vibha Mascarenhas
Third: Sanvita Misquith
12-16 years (boys)
First: Shanvil D’Souza
Second: Riyan D’Souza
Third: Deon Pereira
16-35 years (ladies solo)
First: Sharon Patrao
Second: Joshika D’Souza
Third: Joyline D’Souza
16-35 years (gents’ solo)
First: Herschelle D’Souza
Second: Sherwin D’Souza
Third: Joyson Machado
35-60 years (ladies’ solo)
First: Veena D’Souza
Second: Flavy D’Souza
Third: Mary Pinto
35-60 years (gents’ solo)
First: Manohar Saldanha
Second: Sunil D’Souza
Third: Jawahar Lobo
60 years and above (ladies’ solo)
First: Lilly D’Souza
Second: Dora Rodrigues
Third: Mary Patrao
60 years and above (gents’ solo)
First: Stany D’Souza
Second: Lancy Monteiro
Third: John D’Souza
16 years and above (ladies’ duet)
First: Lavita D’Souza and Lima D’Souza
Second: Sharon Patrao and Mahima Saldanha
Third: Anusha Concessao and Annvita Rasquinha
16 years and above (gents’ duet)
First: Herschelle D’Souza and Darryl Monteiro
Second: Rohan D’Costa and Santhosh Pinto
Third: Victor Rasquinha and Jaison Fernandes
Married couples
First: Sunil and Veena D’Souza
Second: Rohan D’Costa and Shalet Pinto
Third: Arun and Mary Pinto
Hymns
First: Herschelle D’Souza and group
Second: Joyal Machado and group
Third: Sunitha D’Souza and group
The prizes were distributed by Rev. Fr Jerald Pinto.
Mr. Albert Lasrado and Sr. Flavia were the time keepers. Mr. Melwyn Peris and Ms. Adeline Pinto tallied the scores. Mrs. Priscilla Sequeira helped in conducting the event smoothly.
