They strike the right chord to spread good cheer

A group of 10 people take to the stage inside the auditorium of Army Research and Referral Hospital to sing carols. The audience, a select gathering comprising the who’s who of the  Services, spouses of Air Chief Marshal and Defence Minister and other defence personnel can’t stop applauding their effort. Is it the Capital City Minstrels or the Delhi Chamber Choir? No, this is Cantalibre! Somebody whispers in the ear, overwhelmed and hugely impressed by the dulcet notes  of the singers who keep the listeners riveted. 

Derived from the Latin word ‘canta libre’ – meaning ‘to sing free’, the group’s name defines its binding factor. Most of the choir members have been part of prominent carol groups in the City previously, but some have come together at Cantalibre purely for a noble cause.

“We wanted to make music available to those who cannot afford it,” says Giti Chandra, the conductor of the group. She tells Metrolife that half of the members are non-Christians and “some are not even trained musicians, but all of us used to meet often and decided to follow someone’s suggestion to sing carols at a particular place. After one of our concerts at Epicentre, in December 2009, this has became a regular phenomenon,” says Giti, a professor of English Literature at St Stephen’s College. Her close friend and co-singer, Lola Mathai, also a teacher (in spoken English and Hindi)  initiated and organised the group to sing for the old and ill. “My mother used to go to old age homes with gifts for Christmas and sing carols for the elderly. That was more of a friends and family affair, but this I thought should be a little organised so that we can bring joy to those who live away from their families. We don’t realise how lonely it can be for these people on festive occasions,” says Lola.

Although the group members vary in age and belong to varied professions, the spark in their singing comes from the strong ties of friendship and bonhomie between them. They love singing with each other and feel that “This brings a special warmth and depth to their music, apart from the cause which is of course important,” says Nigel Eccleston who works in IT department of a media company. 
“I knew how to play the guitar but didn’t receive any formal training. I had performed in school and college years ago but performing with trained singers did give me jitters,” he says recalling his first performance. But the delight to sing for the old and infirm made him let go of his busy work schedule and be part of the group. 

“If I had to sing professionally, it wouldn’t have been possible for me since it would have required many more practice hours. Also, doing it for a good cause boosts me to continue with this. It is also something alternative to my regular routine,” which keeps Nigel attached to the group.

While Cantalibre’s performances for this year are over and they have gone their different ways to celebrate Christmas, they plan to congregate for a peace concert for Gandhi Jayanti next year. Till then, hope the bells keep tolling for them to return.