By Anna Britto
The mild chill of the winter evening on the compound of St. Joseph's College, Bowbazar, played host to the very first Kolkata Gospel Music Festival, February 1, 2015. Themed Joyful, Joyful! the response to this novel confluence of music, art and celebration was quite encouraging, with seven churches putting up groups - each with a Biblical stage name.
Conceived by Vicar General, Father Dominic Gomes, the festival seeks to encourage the youth to channel their musical talents towards praise and worship, and bring fresh life and energy into our choirs. Well-known Assembly of God Church soloist, Savita Kapper, set the tone of the evening, before the competitive Gospel Band sessions began. Infant Jesus Church (Behala) was The Revelations, while St. John's Church (Sealdah) went on Exodus. It was good to see even a parish as far away as Santragachi (St. Joseph the Worker Church) keeping Faith. Our Lady of Vailankanni Church (Picnic Garden) fielded The Petitioners, while Christ the King (Park Circus) flew on Wings of Eternity. St. Ignatius Church (Kidderpore) was The Desert Voice. Auxilium parish also took part in the competition.
Judged by a trio of Kolkata's great professional musicians - Sonia Saigal, Avik Ganguly and Subhomoy Mitra - Our Lady of Vailankani emerged Festival Champions. Runners up were St. Ignatius, followed by Christ the King, in third place.
While the scores were being compiled, our international star Sonia Saigal had entertained the crowd with Gospel rock, but there was another treat for those who waited till the end. LoveInChrist, the eclectic guest band featuring Shon Anderson (vocals), Avik Ganguly (keyboard), Dominic Kazo (bass), Stafford (Lead guitar) and Wilfred Pereria (Drums) was thoroughly entertaining.
We await Chapter II of the Kolkata Gospel Music Festival!
The mild chill of the winter evening on the compound of St. Joseph's College, Bowbazar, played host to the very first Kolkata Gospel Music Festival, February 1, 2015. Themed Joyful, Joyful! the response to this novel confluence of music, art and celebration was quite encouraging, with seven churches putting up groups - each with a Biblical stage name.
Conceived by Vicar General, Father Dominic Gomes, the festival seeks to encourage the youth to channel their musical talents towards praise and worship, and bring fresh life and energy into our choirs. Well-known Assembly of God Church soloist, Savita Kapper, set the tone of the evening, before the competitive Gospel Band sessions began. Infant Jesus Church (Behala) was The Revelations, while St. John's Church (Sealdah) went on Exodus. It was good to see even a parish as far away as Santragachi (St. Joseph the Worker Church) keeping Faith. Our Lady of Vailankanni Church (Picnic Garden) fielded The Petitioners, while Christ the King (Park Circus) flew on Wings of Eternity. St. Ignatius Church (Kidderpore) was The Desert Voice. Auxilium parish also took part in the competition.
Judged by a trio of Kolkata's great professional musicians - Sonia Saigal, Avik Ganguly and Subhomoy Mitra - Our Lady of Vailankani emerged Festival Champions. Runners up were St. Ignatius, followed by Christ the King, in third place.
While the scores were being compiled, our international star Sonia Saigal had entertained the crowd with Gospel rock, but there was another treat for those who waited till the end. LoveInChrist, the eclectic guest band featuring Shon Anderson (vocals), Avik Ganguly (keyboard), Dominic Kazo (bass), Stafford (Lead guitar) and Wilfred Pereria (Drums) was thoroughly entertaining.
We await Chapter II of the Kolkata Gospel Music Festival!
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