JOIN USBridge 2013’, a concert of spiritual music, was recently performed by the ‘The Octet Cantabile’ in the City.
The evening’s performance was kicked off with a group of young musicians called ‘Zion’s Resonance’, who delivered soothing music that impressed the audience. Moved by the different notes, the audience members were deeply involved in the performance. The different songs they performed included ‘We Are’, ‘Beyond Belief’, ‘Roses Will Bloom’, ‘You Make Everything Beautiful’ and ‘Standing On the Promises’. Commenting about the experience, Joash Benjamin, a vocalist with the group, says, “We are musicians coming from different experiences, who are performing together for the first time. We were elated with the response we got and it was a brilliant show. We even got invitations to perform elsewhere.
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The evening progressed as ‘The Octet Cantabile’, an eight-member group from Chennai, stepped onto the stage. The group — which is known for its musical renditions that vary from classical music like Bach and Mozart to contemporary like reggae, rock, country gospel — lifted the spirits of the audience with their stories and experiences narrated before each item.
“We were looking forward to being a part of the event as we heard that the funds raised were to be used for the betterment of children’s lives. We also sung musical pieces that spoke of the cause like the ‘Carry You Candle’,” says Augustine Paul, the leader of the group.
This group, which is better known for their rendition of keerthanais (Tamil devotional songs), amazed and touched the hearts of the audience with their performance. With thumps, actions and popular songs, the group also made it a point to involve the audience with the act. Of the many songs they sang were ‘Jehovah God’, ‘Angels Rejoice’, ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ and more.
Sherin Sara Mariam, a college student, says, “I was in a very bad state of mind when I came to the concert but after hearing the different stories and songs, it has helped me to calm down. I realise that one’s problems seem overwhelming, but we have the power to overcome anything.” She adds, “The music was soul-stirring and definitely communicated what it intended to.”
Frank Mathews, an IT professional and musician in the City, who was impressed with the concert, says, “After a busy week, what one needs is some calm music. I’m glad I