Investing their creative energies as violin teacher and
concert master respectively at the Child’s Play (India) Foundation (CPIF),
Syanna Fernandes and Chernoll Mendonca hardly envisaged an inclusion in the
Commonwealth Youth Orchestra. Yet today, these two young Goan musicians have
been selected to represent India at the tri-concert series in London from March
9 to 11, 2015 at St James Palace, Marlborough House and Lancaster House. “I am
very proud that our organisation was chosen to represent India at this
prestigious concert series which is a pivotal part of the Commonwealth Week
2015 celebrations. I am happy that they are getting an opportunity to perform
on a world’s stage and I am sure this will be a harbinger for better things to
come,” enthuses Dr Luis Dias, Project Director of Child’s Play (India)
Foundation. To be attended by Heads of State, Commonwealth High Commission,
British Ministers of State and Captains of Industry, the trip which is
sponsored by the Commonwealth Music Partnership has her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II as its Diamond Jubilee Patron and Maestro Zubin Mehta as its Music Patron.
An overwhelming honour for the duo, Syanna and Chernoll are
nevertheless confident of pitching their skills with the best. “It is a
privilege to perform on this scale. There will be a lot of seasoned players
since the standard of music and exposure abroad is much better. This will also
give us an opportunity to meet a lot of musicians our age and share ideas.
Music is a language which connects,” avers the duo. “We have just received one
sheet music, ‘Castle of Mey’, so far to practice, but we are confident of
catching up with the rest of the music during the short practice session with
the entire orchestra.” Another item on their agenda is to fine tune their
skills in the Suzuki method of teaching music with the masters in London.
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Their confidence is founded in their passion for their
music. A 7th grade (Kala Academy) violinist, Syanna began playing the
instrument at the age of 13. Fresh out of BCom from St Xavier’s College, she
jumped to Dias’ offer to teach underprivileged children at CPIF. “I teach about
14 kids – 11 from Hamara School and three at Auxilium High School, Caranzalem.
Working with underprivileged kids is a huge advantage as they have no other
distractions. I teach them for four hours a week and they are so dedicated.
Hamara School kids played for about six concerts which is commendable for kids
who are around six to seven years,” avers Calangute based Syanna who keeps fine
tuning her knowledge in classical music, although she admittedly enjoys all
good music.
Sharing Syanna’s enthusiasm for teaching kids, especially
the underprivileged ones, Chernoll, an 8th Grade (Trinity College) violinist,
is equally impressed with their ability to grasp music despite a lack of
background in music. “From what we see, it is easier to teach these kids and
get better results from them than children who have all the advantages. I enjoy
teaching the violin and want to be a good example to the kids,” affirms
Chernoll, who divides his time privately tutoring students and sharing his
expertise as concertmaster at CPIF charity orchestra Camerata. And his M Pharm
Degree from the Goa College of Pharmacy is proving an asset to his family
pharmacy business at Santa Cruz.
Seeking to soar to new heights, both the youngsters are
grounded in the love for music and making a bright future for it in their
homeland.
