The fourth edition of Goencho
Avaz, the renowned Konkani singing competition by Herald Group and
Ulhas Jewellers, is having its
Panjim finals today and as the singers are set to take the stage and perform to
a houseful venue. This year, the finalists comprise 21 solo singers and seven
pairs of duet singers. The singers have be practising hard to get their act
perfect and with the guiding hand of Norman Cardozo and the musicians, there is
no room for error.
The Goencho
Avaz participants will be performing to the music of Norman and his
musicians for the finals at Panjim and Margao. Norman has been a part of three
editions of Goencho Avaz and he has seen the participants evolve with
their singing. “I have realised that the participants don’t look at the big
cash prizes or trophies; they are more interested in reaching a wider audience
with their singing. People take Goencho Avaz very seriously and it is
equivalent to Goan Idol. I know of many youngsters who wait for this annual
event. It is wonderful to see different singers come together on a single stage.
Even when I need singers for other musical shows, I am spoilt for choice,” says
Norman, who is currently playing for Sammy Tavares’s tiatr, ‘Police Officer’.
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The
musicians for Goencho Avaz comprise Norman on the keyboard, Teo Alvares
on first trumpet, Nolvert Cotta on second trumpet, John Fernandes on drums,
Sammy Braganza on trombone, Cannon D’Souza on bass and Antonio Azavedo on
tenor. Teo Alvares also played for Chris Perry and brings in that experience to
the band. “My set up consists of very talented musicians who are very humble
and give their 100 per cent. Despite their experience, they have no ego issues
and everyone is excited for every event,” adds Norman.
Another
important aspect of the competition is that the participants have to sing songs
that are rarely performed live nowadays, which makes them do their research
about old evergreen Konkani songs.
“Participants have to be careful while presenting their songs. They have
to select the right song for their voice, get into the character and sing with
the right emotions. If you are singing a sad song, you cannot have a smile on
your face. You smile either before or after the performance but through it you
have to pour your heart out,” explains Norman, who also plays for Lorna’s
performances.
The finals in Panjim are being held today, August 4, 2017, at
Kala Academy, Campal at 6:30pm
whereas the grand finale will be held on August 6, 2017 at Ravindra Bhavan in
Margao at 10am
