St. Sebastian Church, Aquem’s ‘Kantaram Lharam’ creates buzz with solo and duet singing competition
Many things come and dis- appear. Also some things come and stay on but we have observed that very few things come and create an instant impact with strong life and long memories. One of such things or events is the “Kantaram Lharam”, a solo and duet singing competition organised by the St. Sebastian Church, Aquem.
In the initial year, this competition was held on 27th November 2022 and was organised by the Parish Pastoral council of the church, for parishioners from different parishes in and around Margao Deanery and a few other selected parishes. A lot of help and encouragement from the Priests in these parishes enabled the organisers to rope in around 50 contestants, out of which 22 for solo singing and 6 for duet singing, got through the audition round and qualified for the finals. The organizers, having no past experience in organising such an event, came out in flying colours earning accolades from a lot of people. In fact a concept of singing competition in our town was instantly created.
To keep the trend going and responding to the various queries regarding the competition, the ball was set rolling and a core committee for organising this year’s competition, was held on the very first day of the New Year 2024. Various issues epaper, such as finance, sponsors, publicity, musicians, sound & lighting and all other related issues were successful- ly handled by the core committee.
This event was financially support- ed by the ever co-operating parishioners and several other firms and institutions like Auto K Suzuki, Alcon Hyundai, HDFC Bank, Pepsi, Furta- do’s, Costa’s, Velorian’s by the river, Ulhas Jewellers, Hotel La Flor, Saidul Goldsmith, LIC (India), Too Yumm Foods to name a few. This event was also partnered by Rajashree Event Management, Malcolm Sound, Beau- ty Partners Millenium Looks, Security Partner-wild Security Agency, OLA Home Delights (F&B Partner), Sanja- na Narvekar Pandal. Every moment was captured on video and photos by Jude Vellis Photography.
Social media was successful in creating a buzz as this year the competition area was widened to cover the South Goa parishes. Not surprisingly, within a matter of ten days, 96 confirmed entries were registered and the organisers reluctantly had to turn down several more entries in both the categories.
The grand showdown was set for 30th January 2024 and therefore the audition round was held on 22nd January and the selected ones had a date with the musicians on 26th January. The show was on for 24 solo singing and 6 Duet singing Finalists. The Grand Finale was witnessed by 1,200 plus music lovers and they were kept well-entertained by the contest- ants and the musicians, led by Mr. Senon de Souza. The team of judges comprising, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, Mr. Elvis Goes and Mrs. Lavinia D’Souza,
had a tough job in hand to choose the winners as the contestants were one
better than the other.
The eventual winners in solo singing were:
- Ms. Aarya Da Costa
- Ms. Juella Fernandes
- Ms. Jennifer Fernando
The prizes for this solo singing were Rs. 15,000/-, Rs. 10,000/-, Rs. 7,500/- and trophies respectively.
The winners in Duet Singing were:
- Ms. Christie Barreto & Mr. Antush Pires
- Mr. Denzil Rodrigues & Ms. Clarina Fernando
They won cash prizes of Rs. 10,000/-, Rs. 7,500 & trophies respectively.
All the contestants were given certificates. With all round co-operation from every member, this event created a record of sorts for having been conducted in a record period of time. Indeed it was well organised and the successful singing competition, organised under the able leadership of Parish Priest, Fr. Andrew Pereira and the project coordinator, Mr. Desmond Gomes, assisted by his enthusiastic core group and the volunteers.
On this occasion two of the parishioners, namely Mr. Felix Dias and Mrs. Antonette Fernandes were felicitated by presenting a shawl, flowers, plaque and a gift, in appreciation for all their life long services and assistance in Church activities.
This event can be viewed on our church YouTube Channel, “St. Sebastian church, Aquem”.
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