Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
Words from iconic Goan poet Manohar Rai Sardessai lent a rich regional and literary depth to the Concerto De Natal, a Christmas concert held at the Museum of Goa that celebrated the state’s multicultural identity while honouring its indigenous roots. The evening brought together poetry, music and tradition in a format that reflected both reverence and renewal.
The concert featured the release of newly composed Christmas carols set to Sardessai’s poetry by international opera singer and composer Oscar Castellino, created in collaboration with the poet’s son, Umesh. The compositions offered fresh musical interpretations while retaining the emotional and cultural resonance of the original verses.
Among the poems performed were Ball Jesus Zolmolo, Mari Matek Ballok Zala and Jinnen Mhaka Sogle Dile, alongside Ailim Natalam penned by Umesh Sardessai. These were presented after blending Konkani and Portuguese musical traditions with familiar English and French carols, creating a seamless and immersive concert experience.
According to curator Nilankur Das, reimagining Sardessai’s poetry through music brought a deeply Goan sensibility to the evening. The programme also featured original Konkani compositions for violin and ghumot, as well as traditional carols in Portuguese, English, French and German, grounding the concert in cultural diversity while honouring literary legacy.
The Concerto De Natal featured a distinguished ensemble of musicians including Oscar Castellino, vocalist Chelsea D’Silva, pianist and arranger Jason Quadros, ghumot percussionist Nahil Flores, and violinist Senon de Souza. Together, they performed compositions inspired by Sardessai’s work, alongside pieces by Micael Martins, Gabriel Pais, Castellino and classical composer Adolphe Adam, making the evening a celebration of Goa’s enduring artistic spirit.
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