Allegro Music Academy will present ‘Crescendo’, a one-of-a-kind musical program that will consist of polyphonic choral singing and an orchestra. The choral group of 73 singers including teenagers will perform in classical, semi-classical, pop, rock, and Goan styles in different languages, while the live orchestra of 20 artists will accompany the choral group and the dancers. Organised and presented by Allegro Music Academy, ‘Crescendo,’ will be conducted by ex-director of Pilar Music Academy, Maestro Fr Peter Cardoso
Fr Peter Cardoso, a name synonymous with music, passion, and cultural preservation in Goa, is celebrated for his monumental contribution to Goan music and its legacy. A Catholic priest, renowned composer, and skilled musician, Fr Peter has been instrumental in blending Western classical music with Goan traditions, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene in Goa and beyond.
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Fr Peter Cardoso was immersed in music from a young age. His academic journey in music took him beyond the boundaries of Goa, with training in various institutions that refined his skills in classical music and liturgical compositions. His higher studies in Western music in the United States of America and Indian classical music at Aligarh University, Uttar Pradesh, helped him immensely. He is well-versed in ‘Solfeggio,’ the method of learning to write music and sing without the help of musical instruments. Fr Peter’s deep understanding of Western classical traditions, combined with his deep-rooted Goan heritage, made him a cultural bridge between the old and new musical worlds.
Fr Peter Cardoso is more than just a composer; he is a custodian of Goan culture. One of his most significant contributions was his work in popularising Goan folk and liturgical music. He worked tirelessly to preserve the cultural richness of Goa, which had evolved over centuries due to Portuguese colonial rule, by integrating Western classical and liturgical styles with traditional Goan music. His blend of the sacred and the secular, his innovations in church music, and his commitment to preserving Goan traditions made him a beloved figure.
Fr Peter’s works were not limited to religious music. His passion for Goan folk music also led him to compose several pieces that resonated with the people of Goa, reflecting the stories, emotions, and lives of ordinary Goans. His music, full of heart and soul, played a significant role in keeping Goan musical traditions alive during a time when many of them were at risk of fading into obscurity.
‘Crescendo’ is to awaken the beautiful eternal harmony that exists in nature and within every human person and to lift the soul to a sublime realm. Music has the capacity to realign the soul to the rhythm of a harmonious and timeless melody. The present concert has 115 artistes from different parts of Goa, taking up social, cultural, and religious issues to create a harmony for a peaceful society.
“Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.” Fr Peter Cardoso lives by this philosophy. He is also known for his role in music education. He served as a mentor to several young musicians and is committed to nurturing future generations of Goan musicians. As an educator, Fr Peter’s teachings extended beyond mere music lessons. Many of his students have gone on to become accomplished musicians in their own right, continuing to perpetuate the musical legacy.
Fr Peter says, “I want to boost more and more students to become artists and learn music to its core. One must know the history of Gregorian, Indian classical, Portuguese, and English music.” Fr Peter believes that there is no age limit for learning music.
Music is a fine art. Music, the universal language of harmony, is indeed a reality in ‘Crescendo’ which will be presented at Ravindra Bhavan AC auditorium, Margao on February 27, at 7 pm. As Goa continues to navigate the changing tides of time, Fr. Peter’s music remains a timeless reminder of the power of cultural preservation and the magic that happens when tradition meets innovation.
