Goa’s Kala Academy Honours Musical Heritage with Thrilling Symphony Performance

Panjim, August 26, 2024: The Department of Western Music at Kala Academy Goa, under the leadership of Fr. Romeo Monteiro, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, celebrated its Founder’s Day and Prize Distribution Function on August 24 at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir. The event honored the legacy of Maestro Antonio Fortunato de Figueiredo, the founding director of the department. Shri Arvind Khutkar, Member Secretary of Kala Academy Goa, served as the chief guest. 

The highlight of the evening was the performance by the 52-member Kala Academy Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fr. Monteiro. The orchestra, which includes strings, reeds, brass, and percussion, is a unique ensemble in Goa and India, composed of local students, staff, and music enthusiasts. 

The orchestra performed three pieces: the first movement of Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major featuring soloist Reanne Mendes, a traditional Goan tune arranged by Fr. Monteiro, and the first movement of Anton Zimmermann's Symphony in C. 

Prizes were also distributed to outstanding students from the previous academic year, recognizing their achievements in Western music studies. The event was anchored by students Jeriza Pereira and Stanford Dias.

By Br. Malvino OCD