MATUNGA, MAY 19, 2008: The Shrine at Don Bosco Matunga witnessed an evening to be remembered, on Sunday May 18, as The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble presented ‘Worthy To Be Praised’. Attired in red and white robes, the singers enthralled the audience with their outstanding choral performance. The first half of the show comprised classical sacred songs, and included renowned pieces such as Ave Maria by Xabier Sarasola and Prayer of St. Francis by Barrie Cabena. The second half was dedicated to Negro Spirituals and had the audience tapping their feet as the choir sang with full gusto all time favourites like Elijah Rock and Every Time I feel the Spirit.
Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine, introducing the group said that the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy which was formed in 1984, was the realization of a dream which began as the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble under the direction of its conductor Alfred J. D’Souza. He further informed the audience that the group consists of highly placed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, businessmen, school and college students, as well as retired persons, with an age span of 16 to 70 years, belonging to different faiths and communities – Hindus, Muslims, Parsees and Christians, from various regions in India. He also stressed that the Stop-Gaps is ‘an organization with a heart’; they have organized and performed free of charge concerts to support several charities.
The Stop-Gaps have won world wide fame having performed at several international musical competitions and festivals. In 2002 they sang at the Vatican for the 82nd birthday of Pope John Paul II. In 2006 they were the first Indian choir ever to sing in China, participating in the Fourth World Choir Olympics. The Stop-Gaps have the privilege to be one of the six choirs from across the globe to be selected after stringent review to participate in the prestigious Seventh Choir Competition to be held in Miltenberg, Germany, later this year. It will be the first time that an Indian choir has been admitted to this competition and that too representing Asia.
Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine, introducing the group said that the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy which was formed in 1984, was the realization of a dream which began as the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble under the direction of its conductor Alfred J. D’Souza. He further informed the audience that the group consists of highly placed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, businessmen, school and college students, as well as retired persons, with an age span of 16 to 70 years, belonging to different faiths and communities – Hindus, Muslims, Parsees and Christians, from various regions in India. He also stressed that the Stop-Gaps is ‘an organization with a heart’; they have organized and performed free of charge concerts to support several charities.
The Stop-Gaps have won world wide fame having performed at several international musical competitions and festivals. In 2002 they sang at the Vatican for the 82nd birthday of Pope John Paul II. In 2006 they were the first Indian choir ever to sing in China, participating in the Fourth World Choir Olympics. The Stop-Gaps have the privilege to be one of the six choirs from across the globe to be selected after stringent review to participate in the prestigious Seventh Choir Competition to be held in Miltenberg, Germany, later this year. It will be the first time that an Indian choir has been admitted to this competition and that too representing Asia.