Panaji | August 7, 2025:
In a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s vibrant musical past, Communicare Trust — the Dona Paula-based cultural organisation — is rolling out a special initiative titled ‘Cantaram for the Community’. As part of its 20-year anniversary celebrations, the Trust will host two live campus concerts blending rare archival vinyl recordings and live performances to rekindle student interest in the rich Konkani cantaram tradition.
The first edition will be held on August 8 at Carmel College, Nuvem, and the second on August 12 at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, with both events kicking off at 10:00 am. Entry is free for students, but seats are limited.
Celebrating Forgotten Voices
The concerts will spotlight the songs and stories of iconic Goan composers and singers such as C. Alvares, Joe Rose, Frank Fernand, Ophelia Cabral, and Antonette Mendes — artists whose work defined an era, but who are now often unknown to the younger generation.
The performance will feature the dynamic ensemble Entre Nós, led by musician Omar de Loiola Pereira, with Nadia Rebelo and Ginelle Fernandes on vocals. Their repertoire includes rare compositions and beloved hits, carefully chosen to transport the audience back to Goa’s musical golden age.
Interspersed with these live performances will be curated vinyl sessions by Leaxan Freitas, a passionate record selector and Art Deco researcher. Leaxan’s segments will introduce students not just to vintage audio formats, but also to the history of how Goans once listened to music — from shellac discs and gramophones to the digital age.
More Than Music
To enrich the experience further, the concerts will also include photographs, lyrics, and biographical snippets, making the sessions both musical and educational.
“Many children today have never seen vinyl, tapes or shellac discs. ‘Cantaram for the Community’ aims to show how music and technology evolved while reconnecting youth with Goa’s cultural roots,” said Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Manager at Communicare Trust.
“Many of the original composers are no longer with us, but we’re in touch with their families, who often share lyrics and stories that we incorporate into the concerts to honour their legacy,” she added.
A Cultural Milestone
The initiative is supported by the Maria Crescencia Menezes Memorial Educational Trust, which has played a key role in enabling Communicare’s mission of preserving Goa’s linguistic and cultural heritage over the past two decades.
For two decades, Communicare Trust has championed language learning, cultural revival, and creative education, and this musical outreach is a natural extension of that legacy.
How to Attend
📌 Dates & Venues
- August 8 – Carmel College, Nuvem (South Goa students)
- August 12 – St Xavier’s College, Mapusa (North Goa students)
📨 Schools interested in group attendance may write to: communicaretrust@gmail.com
🎟️ Entry is free, but seats are limited.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
