Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 4: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), organized SWARANJALI, an enchanting choral and orchestral concert on Sunday, February 2 in the L F Rasquinha Hall of the University.

Music has the power to uplift, connect and inspire. SWARANJALI served as a platform to celebrate harmony through music, featuring a unique blend of spiritual choral renditions and contemporary symphonies. With performances from diverse groups of choirs and musicians, the concert not only promoted cultural appreciation but also fostered a sense of community and togetherness.

Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto, SJ, rector of St Aloysius Institutions was the patron of the programme. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, vice chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the programme. The directors of various blocks, deans, teaching and non-teaching staff and students of the University enthusiastically participated in this music extravaganza. The 7 teams presented the beauty of sacred hymns and classical melodies merging them with the vibrancy of contemporary harmonies.

SWARANJALI began with a devotional prayer Glorious (David Archuleta) by the students of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) choir.

The St Aloysius Deemed to be University Choir and orchestra presented a harmonious blend of the past and present, connecting the spiritual with the contemporary with Can-Can (Jacques Offenbach) under the able direction of Reina Sequeira, II BA with the music, Desmond D’Cunha, III BA as organist under the leadership of Sharon Carmine Rodrigues, III BCA and Nigel Mathias, III BA.

The second set of songs were performed by Asha Kiran Jesuit Scholastics - Home Free- Auld Lang Syne (National poet of Scotland-Robert Burns) An unofficial song of new year-Scottish song.

After that, This Marvelous and Wonderful (Lelia N Morris) and In the Sweet Forever (Lelia N Morris). Ashakiran serves as a place of study for Jesuit Scholastics, who come from 10 provinces and 1 region. All of them, except one, study at St Aloysius Deemed to be University. From an early stage in their formation, they have learned to sing from one another and participate in daily Mass and prayers. In addition to their academic pursuits, they actively practice charity by visiting various institutions for the elderly, orphans, and the sick once a week. They live joyful lives, cherishing their friendship and camaraderie. This band performed under the able direction of Fr Sujay Daniel SJ with the music, Thivinda Jude Cooray III BA as Organist under the leadership of Iasuklang Karthangmaw, III BA.

Next, there was a Jive performance. Jive is an energetic and lively ballroom dance that originated in the United States in the 1930s. It features fast footwork, kicks, and bouncy movements. This is popularized by rock and roll music.

The third group Kanthi Young Voices Choirs consisted of passionate young singers from various CSI churches in Mangaluru, united by the love for music and singing. Every Sunday they come together for practice sessions where they work on improving their vocal skills and training their voices. The band performed the songs - O Lux Beatissima (Arr Mark Burrows); Turning (Arr Joni Jensen and El Vito (Arr Emily Crocker) under the direction of musician and organist, Glen Soans.

This was followed by St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, performed Amazing Grace (New Britain, James P Carrell & David S Clayton) - A timeless hymn of redemption and grace, expressing gratitude for salvation, faith, and divine mercy through its deeply emotional and uplifting melody; Pilgrims of Hope (Francesco Meneghello) - A stirring choral piece reflecting perseverance, faith, and unity, symbolizing life’s spiritual journey with soaring harmonies and inspirational lyrics and Laudate Dominum (Charles Gounod) - A sacred choral work praising God, blending rich harmonies and classical elegance to create a reverent and majestic musical expression of devotion and worship. They performed under the direction of Fr Flavian Lobo, musician along with the organist, Br Joel Monteiro.

St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary was established in its present setting at Jeppu, Mangaluru in 1879. At present it hosts both, St Joseph Institute of Philosophy (SJIP) and St Joseph Institute of Theology (SJIT). The vision of the seminary is forming the seminarians with the motive of making them disciples of the Crucified and Risen Lord and to be prophetic proclaimers of the word, immersed with the pastoral and missionary experience to become integrated candidates for priesthood. For church music St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary has a unique mission.

It trains seminarians in theology, music, and liturgy. The goal is to serve and enrich worship in the church. It preserves sacred musical traditions while encouraging creativity. Students learn music, compose, arrange, and perform hymns. They are prepared to lead worship and mentor musicians. The seminary helps them inspire communities with music that glorifies God.

A salsa performance by Remona Sequeira mesmerised the audience salsa is a vibrant Latin dance originating from Cuba and Puerto Rico, blending Afro-Cuban, Spanish, and jazz influences. Salsa known for its fast footwork, spins, and rhythmic beats, salsa symbolizes joy and cultural fusion.

The next Choir by St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) was ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay (2008) which is one of the most amazing and iconic songs, a baroque pop song about power, downfall, and regret. Inspired by historical and religious imagery, it reflects a fallen ruler’s lost glory and changing fate.

The choir group from Fatima Retreat House performed Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen); Beautiful Sunday (Daniel Boone); Count Your Blessings (Johnson Oatman; In Moments like This (Don Moen) and Edelweiss (Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers).

Fatima Retreat House managed by the Jesuits of the Karnataka province, serves as a centre for prayer and reflection. Among its notable figures was the late Fr Walter Albuquerque, a Jesuit musician who established a music school there, nurturing the talents of hundreds of Mangaloreans. Inspired by his legacy, Simon Pais, a choir master from Bajal, brought together aspiring singers from various Mangaluru parishes to form the ‘Late Fr Walter Albuquerque Memorial Choir’ approximately a decade ago. Since its inception, this choir has performed at numerous religious celebrations across venues such as Fatima Retreat House, Infant Jesus Shrine, and Bondel Church. Additionally, they have showcased their talent at Maand Sobhann and on local television channels. The choir performed under the direction of Simon Pais, musician along with the organist, Melroy Rodrigues.

Felicitation of the music directors

Fr Melwin Pinto, SJ, the pro-chancellor St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) and rector of St Aloysius Institutions along with hon’ble vice chancellor, Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, felicitated the music directors of the groups who performed in SWARANJALI. Oscar Weltha and illustrious alumnus of 1992, Fr Flavian Lobo from St Joseph’s Seminary Jeppu, Fr Simon Pais-Fathima Retreat House; Fr Sujay Daniel, SJ; Glen Soans, illustrious alumnus, Viehrii Augustine SJ; and students - Raina Sequeira, II BA; student coordinators Sharon Carmine Rodrigues, III BCA and Nigel Mathias, III BA.

Besides this, there was a contemporary dance fusion. After that, ‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’; Enter into His Gates (Leona Von Brethorst & Joel Chernoff) and ‘Make Me a Blessing’ by the BMA orchestra and choir which was founded in 1926 and is all set to celebrate its centenary in 2026. Beyond elevating congregational singing, the BMA has played a key role in discovering and training numerous budding singers and musicians through its choral and orchestral programmes, significantly enriching the spiritual and social life of the Church.

The team NEPAM stands for the North East People Association, Mangaluru, an organization established during 2012-13 with the inspiring motto, ‘Strive, Unite & Lead.’ The association was founded to promote unity, progress, and welfare among individuals from the North Eastern states residing in Mangaluru. NEPAM is dedicated to fostering a sense of fraternity and belonging while upholding the rich customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of the North East.

Through its efforts, NEPAM aspires to create a harmonious environment where its members can thrive while contributing positively to the broader community. This Choir group performed under the direction of Veihrii Augustine SJ, musician along with the organist, Ribankordor Lyngdohnonglait III BA.

After that, there was a solo performance by Rachel P Furtado, a proud alumna who completed here BA in 2020 & MA (English) in 2022. She has completed her piano 6th grade & vocals 5th grade from the prestigious Trinity College of Music, London. Rachel is a versatile singer who is adept in singing soprano, tenor and alto.

Besides this, the SAC Choir performed ‘Sound of Silence’ which is a legendary song by Simon & Garfunkel, written by Paul Simon in 1964. Its haunting lyrics delve into themes of isolation, societal detachment, and the challenge of genuine communication. SAC Orchestra performed ‘The Second Waltz’ which is a famous orchestral piece by Dmitri Shostakovich, composed in 1956 as part of his jazz suite. Known for its elegant, flowing melody and rhythmic charm, the piece evokes a sense of grace and nostalgia.

The audience joined voices in singing a congregational hymn ‘Abide with Me’ written by William Henry Monk in 1847. The concert ended and excellent orchestral medley by the BMA, ‘Jesus leads His Army/Let there be Love’ which emphasizes Christ’s leadership in spiritual battles and calls for love, peace, and harmony among believers.

Dr Charles V Furtado, Convenor, Swaranjali, president of BMA, proposed the vote of thanks.

St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the performers, the music directors, the organizing committee and the appreciative audience.

SWARANJALI, the choral and orchestral concert of spiritual and contemporary music has been a magnificent celebration of music & harmony. The performers’ dedication and passion have created an unforgettable experience for all those who have present in the concert.