Goa Music News

Dedicated to the people of Goa, Goan musician O’luv has come out with his new music video ‘The CASHEW song of Goa’ Goan musician O’luv has released his new music video single ‘The CASHEW song of Goa’ on his YouTube channel O’luv Goa. The video has been created over a span of three months, with site visits to understand the process and to draw inspiration for the lyrics and to create the visuals. From the picking of the tree-ripened cashew apples with the ‘tochni’ or ‘kantto’ [ a stick with a spur or thorn near the tip], to the separation of the nut from the cashew apple for the extraction of the juice at the ‘kollbi’, to the fermentation and the two distillations at the ‘battie’ using the traditional clay-pot ‘lavnni’ as the condenser, most of the processes involved are covered in a song. The aim of the song is to celebrate the cashew (anacardium occidentale) that came from Brazil and became one of our own in Goa. We have found a number of uses for the tree, its nut and the cashew apple and it is now an integral part of the Goan culture and traditions. It is used […]

Kamlakar Naik is a kind-hearted man who is an Indian classical music vocalist. His style is Khayal singing and belongs to the Agra style of music. He has performed in many places and music conferences like Surashri Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti Sangeet Samaroh, Sawai Gandharv, and Sangeet Samorah.  Naik says that nowadays in Goa, people lean more towards light classical music or Western & Indian classical music fusions.  He says: “I’m not interested in music fusions. I concentrate on pure classical music which I received from my gurus.” Some of his gurus were Ratnakantji Ramnathkar, Pt. V.R Athavaleji, and Jitendra Abhishekiji. He’s been involved in classical music for approximately 50 years. Kamlakar feels that Indian classical music has definitely changed in Goa and India over the years as each artist has his own imagination and capacity and makes his contribution to the classical music industry which changes the music. “I enjoy performing. I am totally involved in the performance. I always think that every performance is an examination for me,” Naik enthusiastically states. He continues,“ One must also learn the theory of music apart from practical. There are theoretical rules for presenting melodies. One melody can be performed even for 60 minutes […]

Two Goan students will have the opportunity to train in Hindustani classical vocal music in Gurukul tradition at Gangubai Hangal Gurukul at Unkal, Hubli-Dharwad. In this regard, Kala Academy has invited applications from interested individuals. Those shortlisted through an interview and audition test at Kala Academy will receive training in Guru Shishya Paramapara from the academic year 2019 onwards. As per the eligibility criteria, the candidates should have basic knowledge of Hindustani music and should be an Indian citizen. The minimum educational qualification is 10th standard pass and the lower age limit as on date should be 15 years. The upper age limit is 35 years. The candidate should be unmarried. The duration of learning will be a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. The Gurukul at Dharwad provides free accommodation, food, and two sets of uniforms to the students who are admitted to their Gurukul. The candidates will have to provide a recorded CD, medical fitness certificate and Xerox copies of testimonials at Kala Academy which in turn will be forwarded to Gurukul in Dharwad. The applications giving all the details such as name, address, phone no, date of birth and age, academic qualification details, […]

The Ketevan World Sacred Music Festival, which will be held from February 21 across places in Old Goa, combines sacred music traditions from different eras from the East and the West inspired by the life of St Ketevan, Queen of Georgia. The relics of St Ketevan were brought from the Middle East to Old Goa, which were found a few years ago after being buried for almost 400 years. The Ketevan world Sacred Music Festival is a project of music and religious coexistence, connecting and fostering dialogue among cultures. Ketevan Sacred Music Festival offers concerts, workshops and conferences with artists from several traditions around the world: Western Classical, Carnatic, Orthodox Christian, Catholic, Sufi, Hindustani, Jewish, Native and many others. This edition of the Ketevan Sacred Music Festival will include programmes such as “Spiritualia” by the Italian jazz violinist Luca Ciarla as well as new programmes designed especially for the festival, such as ‘Bach’s Dreams’ and ‘20th Century Sounds’ directed by UK-based Indian conductor Manvinder Rattan; combining ancient sacred chants from all eras and traditions. From Milan, distinguished soprano Natalia Lemercier will perform as a soloist in the two biggest concerts of the festival. The oratory ‘Passion Landscapes’, written for the […]

With a view of promoting talent in singing, preserving and reviewing the tradition of Tiatr songs and also to give incentive to new compositions in the line of Goan rich heritage of Tiatr performances, the Kala Academy Goa will be organising the 16th edition of ‘Cantaram Competition’ which will be held on October 13 and 14 in the Black Box of Kala Academy. The competition is organised with the performances of Decent and Comedy Cantaram under one category only. There shall be three prizes in each subcategory: solo male (junior), solo male (senior) and solo female (junior), solo female (senior), duet, due, trio, quartet (group) and choral cantar singing. Male and female participating in solo singing below and upto the age of 16 years shall be considered for solo(junior) whereas participants above 16 years of age shall have to compulsorily participate in solo (Senior) in both male and female category as the case may be. The competition shall be open to all the Goan artistes. There shall be no entry fee for participation in the competition. However, each participant will be paid T.A as per the norms of Kala Academy. The artistes will be allowed to send only one entry […]

The Rotary Club of Panaji in association with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (Goa), Kala Academy, and Samraat Club of Panaji, will be presenting a musical concert of international artist Subhash Chandra Ghosh at Kala Academy’s black box on September 28 at 7 p.m. The programme will feature a solo performance by Ghosh which will be followed by a jugalbandi by Ghosh and Naresh Madgaonkar on santoor and will be supported by Rushikesh Padke on the tabla. Ghosh, a senior disciple of sarod master Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will be performing for the first time in Goa. He will be playing his own instrument ‘Sarasvani and Swar Ragini’ which is made by combining veena, sarod, and guitar. Ghosh has various earned various international accolades and has played for high ranking people. The second artist, Naresh Madgaonkar, who will be sharing the stage with Ghosh will be performing with a santoor. Madagonkar is the disciple of Satish Vyas, Mumbai and is the first santoor player to perform with the Western Classical Orchestra, Germany. (The event is open to all and the seating will be on first come first serve basis.)

Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude said that there is a need to make an effort to promote the art of filmmaking in Goa. He was speaking during the release of promotional songs of upcoming Konkani movie ‘Questao De Confusao’ at the Directorate of Art and Culture, Panaji. He said that the artistes of the film were earlier involved with theatre and have now moved to filmmaking; this not only shows their love for art but also their passion. “Though we may not have enough finance to make a film but Goans are rich in creativity. Films like these are a way to promote and showcase our creative side. This film is not only for entertainment purpose but is also an initiative to give people a different outlook towards life,” added Gaude. A total of four promotional songs of the film were released. The team has made a Konkani kantar, dindi, rap and a parody of famous Marathi tracks. The music has been composed by Sindhuraj Kamat, while lyrics for three songs have been written by Rajdeep Naik. Amit Naik has written the lyrics of rap song. Diptesh Kuttikar, Priyanka Raikar and Amit Naik are the singers of the […]

Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude on Friday said that music should inspire people and it should encourage them to help people in need. He was talking at the release of singer and music composer Sidhanath Buyao’s six music videos release at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji. Gaude further added that there are a lot of music videos which are going viral on social media and people should be wise enough to pick up the message from them. Sidhanath’s videos are based on varied themes and tell different stories. Two of these videos feature Puja Naik and Vikram Keni Gaitonde. Appreciating Buyao for encouraging Puja who has a speech impediment, president GPCC Girish Chodankar said that we should work towards encouraging differently abled children so that they come up and make an identity of their own. Buyao also said that the reason for holding a release was basically to launch two artistes Puja and Vikram who have been through a lot and yet have brought out their hidden talents of singing. “I spoke to Puja first, I tried listening to her. Nobody in her family was from a singing background but what I liked about her was […]

Kala Academy Goa will celebrate World Music Day on 21st June 2018 at 4.30 p.m. at the Foyer area, Kala Academy Complex, Panaji by organizing different programmes of Indian Music and Western Music. The duration of each performance will be 5-10 minutes. The programme will be open to all and Kala Academy has requested the artist community residing in Goa to present their performances on this open platform. Those interested to participate in the programme are requested to directly enroll their details like name, address, contact phone/mobile no. type of performance, duration, on email: kalaacademygoa@yahoo.co.in etc. or personally call Shri Sandeep Kalangutkar of Kala Academy on mobile no. 9823369336/ 0832-2420452/53 latest by 4.00 p.m on 18th June 2018, during office hours for any further information. The organizers will not pay any honorarium or payment fees to artists. However, refreshments will be provided to the artists. A drum set and sound system will be made available to the participants, free of charge. Rest all other instruments will have to be arranged by the concerned artists. All the artists are required to take note of the above and submit their applications. The artist’s community in the field of music are requested to […]

The inaugural function of the first edition of Gaansaraswati Kishoritai Amonkar Sangeet Mahotsav in memory of Goan singer late Kishori Amonkar was held on Saturday at Kala Academy, Panaji. Prior to the function a documentary tracing the life of Kishori produced by Mumbai Doordarshan was screened. Speaking at the inaugural function minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude comparing the life of late Kishori to Sant Meera Bai or Mirabai said, like Meera dedicated her life to Lord Krishna, Kishori dedicated her life for music and ragas. On the occasion Meena Waikar who has been a companion and a family member of Kishori Amonkar was felicitated, though I am not her real daughter she always treated me like her own daughter, said Meena. Senior disciple, Arun Dravid and sons of Kishori Amonkar Nihar Amonkar and Bibhas Amonkar along with their wives were also present for the event. Earlier in the day, a curtain raiser event was held in the black box of Kala Academy, titled – ‘Rarely Heard Kishori Amonkar’, which featured a commentary by Arun Dravid on rare recordings of Kishoritai from 1962-85. Besides this, there was also a photographic exhibition on display in the foyer of the venue, […]

Swastik – Panaji will be organising eleventh edition of a musical program to celebrate Gudhi Padwa. This musical program titled ‘Sur Nidhi’ is scheduled for Friday, March 30 at Kala Academy’s – Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium and will begin at 7:00 p.m. Young vocalists of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil’ Champs fame – Prathamesh Laghate and Mugdha Vaishampayan have been invited to perform and the programme will be anchored by Dhanashree Lele. (This program is ticketed and entry coupons are available at Kala Academy Ticket Counter.)

Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) awarded the ‘Konkani Song and Music awards 2017’ to the winners of the respective categories on March 21 at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji. The TAG has taken up this initiative to honor these artistes as, a lot of Konkani Audio (CD)/Video Albums are produced every year in Goa by Konkani music enthusiasts by investing substantial amount of money and in order to encourage them to produce qualitative albums, every year Tiatr Academy of Goa presents the Konkani Song and Music Awards.</span< The awards were presented to the winners by Fr. Peter Cardozo, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Cardozo lauded the efforts of the Tiatr Academy for organising such award function as such awards act as a motivation for the artistes to perform even more better. Fr. Cardozo also remembered the artistes of yesteryears and also urged the younger artistes to be clear and audible while performing. Following is the list of award winners in the respective categories:   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM     Category Award winners Album Male Singer John Pereira Jezuk Kalzan Dovor Female Singer Cielda Pereira Devachea Hatatlem Duet of […]

A choir singing competition will be held on 4th March 2018 in the Kala Academy Black Box. The next part will be held in the black box of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on 11th March 2018. The first five winning teams will then compete at the state level competition on 25th March 2018 at Kala Academy’s Open air auditorium. Goan artists belonging to different choir groups, institutions and churches will be participating in this event.

Stuti Choral Ensemble along with Goa String Orchestra, directed by Parvesh Jawa, presented an evening of classical music on February 20 at Kala Academy. The programme included works by Eccles, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi and Warlock. The concert comprised of six multi-movements: sonata, symphony, rondo, mass, suite and concerto. Sonata- showed off the sound of the double bass, accompanied by the string orchestra while the symphony showed off the sound of the string orchestra itself. The suite brought together a combination of six dances while the rondo showcased the virtuosity of the solo violinist through a dialogue with the orchestra. The special guest soloists Joanne D’Mello, Kersi Gazdar and Rahul Bharadwaj delivered short solos in the mass sung by the Stuti Choral Ensemble.   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

The 4th edition of Sur Jahan- World Peace Music Festival in Goa was inaugurated on February 7 by Art and Culture minister of Goa Govind Gaude at Kala Academy, Panaji in the presence of Amitav Bhattacharya (director of banglanatak dot com). The band members of the troupes that will be performing at the venue over the next two days were also present. The objective of the festival is to create a platform for cultural exchange in order to understand the diversity of different cultures. Gaude said that music helps to unite people of diverse cultures on one platform. The inaugural ceremony featured various folk artistes from the state including Elvis Lobo, Divya Naik, Carlos Gonsalves and others performing in different disciplines of Goan folk music such as, Ghumat- Aarti, Goff, Ghodemodni, Dhalo and Dulpods. The Day 1 of the Sur Jahan also featured performances from the troupe from Finland called ‘Tuuletar’, whose music was based on expressing the four elements of earth i.e. air, water, fire and wind. The other band which performed was Muzsikas from Hungary, which depicted the folk music of Hungary.   Pic Credit – Shivang Mishra I NT GOGOANOW.COM

The German National Youth Orchestra, Germany’s youngest major orchestra, gave a stellar performance On Tuesday at the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium at Kala Academy, Panaji. The orchestra was founded by the German Music Council In 1969 and is made up of the country’s finest young musicians between the age group of 14 and 19. The orchestra troupe was led by Hermann Baumer, who has conducted various orchestras such as the Dresden Staatskapelle, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestras and others. The performance of orchestra was based on the theme of ‘Weather and Forces of Nature’. The prelude performed was “Geysir”, a composition of Jon Leifs which is inspired by the incredible forces of nature and which give rise to the power of Icelandic geysirs. The prelude was followed by “The Tempest” as a fantasy overture composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, which is based on the play The Tempest by William Shakespeare, which depicts the stillness of the ship at sea and the grotesque nature of Caliban. The symphony “Rhenish” composed by Robert Schumann was the final piece of orchestra which was inspired by Schumann’s trip to Rhineland, expresses the elements of his journey and other experiences of his life.   […]