Goa beyond the standard cliches of beaches and parties has much to offer — serene villages, lush countryside and a celebration of cultural confluences. The Monte Music Festival, which currently is in its 18th edition, is one such festival that holds Goa captive with its unique blend of culture, dialogue, music and dance recitals.
A classical music and dance festival, the MMF is set against the idyllic backdrop of the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount in the picturesque Old Goa — the performances are held inside the chapel as well as in the courtyard. Organised by the Portuguese-India cultural foundation, Fundacao Oriente, this year the festival is scheduled between Feb 7 and 9.
With ethereal classical performances by artists from all over the world, gathering to celebrate music and dance beyond the realms of borders, this festival has over the years carved out a niche following. The performances begin at sundown with the breathtaking backdrop of the Chorão and Divar islands, and the Mandovi river, and go on till about 9pm. If the lure of the location alone is not reason enough to motivate you, the line-up surely will.
This year the performance begins with an Indian classical dance recital titled Ritumaalya — a Garland of Seasons performed by Prachi Saathi and Deepali Salil (Bharatanatyam), Saji Menon (Mohini Attam) and Namrata Mehta (Odissi) and will end in the Chapel with the concert Ave Maria by the Kala Academy Choir directed by Maestro Rev. Romeo Monteiro.
The next day at sunset the Goan sitar exponent Ustad Chhote Rahimat will delight the audience with his ragas along with Mansoor Khan and Dr Uday Kulkarni. Closing the festival on February 9, they will celebrate Rão Kyao’s return to Goa, after a great musical career influenced by his travels in India. The Portuguese musician will present a concert as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
The final concert of this Monte Music Festival will be presented by the Goa University Choir directed by Maestro Santiago Lusardi Girelli and will feature the Portuguese soprano Maria Meireles and the Austrian pianist Karen Schlimp.
