Mangaluru: St Aloysius University, Mangaluru, hosted SWARAANJALI – an enchanting choral and orchestral concert on Sunday evening at the L. F. Rasquinha Hall, bringing together choirs, orchestras, soloists, and music lovers for a celebration of harmony, faith, and contemporary expression.
The concert was organised by St Aloysius University and witnessed the presence of Rev. Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto, SJ, Pro-Chancellor of the University and Rector of St Aloysius Institutions. Directors of various blocks, deans, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and members of the public attended the programme in large numbers, reflecting the strong cultural engagement of the University community.
Seven choirs and orchestras take the stage
Seven teams from Mangaluru, along with two soloists, presented a rich repertoire that blended sacred hymns, classical compositions, and contemporary harmonies. Participating teams included the Balmatta Musical Association, St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, CSI Young Voices, Asha Kiran (Jesuit Scholastics), NEPAM, the St Aloysius PU College team, and the St Aloysius University choir and orchestra.
Solo performances were rendered by Ms Ananya Abhigail D’Silva, a student of St Aloysius PU College, and Ms Rachel Priyanka Furtado, an alumna of the institution, adding depth and individuality to the evening’s musical journey.
A journey through global and sacred melodies
The St Aloysius University Choir and Orchestra opened with a stirring rendition of When You Believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, setting the tone for the evening. Asha Kiran Jesuit Scholastics followed with Una Paloma Blanca, The Impossible Dream, and Alpha and Omega, highlighting versatility across genres.
CSI Young Voices Choir presented Now Thank We All Our God, El Cielo Canta Alegria! and El Vito, showcasing choral traditions from different cultural contexts. Ms Ananya Abhigail D’Silva’s solo included Grace Infinie (French rendition of Amazing Grace) and Hallelujah by The Isaacs.
St Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary performed Nome Dolcissimo, Ndikhokhele Bawo, and Mbube, while the St Aloysius University Choir returned with an energetic ABBA medley. The Balmatta Musical Association Orchestra presented Pass It On, followed by the St Aloysius PU College team’s performances of A Million Dreams and Be a Light.
Felicitation of music directors
During the programme, the music directors of all participating teams were felicitated by Rev. Fr Melwin J. Pinto, SJ, and Rev. Dr Melwyn D’Cunha, SJ, Pro Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius University, in recognition of their contribution to nurturing musical talent and sustaining choral traditions.
Grand finale and thanksgiving
The concluding segment featured performances by the Balmatta Musical Association Choir, the NEPAM Choir with Northeastern Chimes, and a powerful Queen medley by the St Aloysius University Choir. Ms Rachel Priyanka Furtado’s solo Let It Go and the orchestra’s He’s Everything to Me added a fitting crescendo to the evening, which ended with the congregational hymn Nearer My God to Thee.
The programme was compered by Mr Samson Peters and Ms Faye Rodrigues. Dr Charles V. Furtado, Convenor of Swaraanjali and President of the Balmatta Musical Association, proposed the vote of thanks. The concert was organised under the leadership of Dr Charles V. Furtado, with Dr Roshan F. D’Souza and Ms Jyothi S. Vaz as staff coordinators, and Ms Reina Sequeira and Mr Anshul D’Souza as student coordinators.
The evening reaffirmed music’s power to unite generations, traditions, and cultures, leaving the audience with a profound sense of harmony and togetherness.
