Dolcy D’Cruz
Goa’s music lovers are in for a rare treat as the Stuti Choral and String Ensemble opens its 2025–2026 season with a grand concert celebrating the genius of three Italian composers — Vivaldi, Rossini, and Puccini. The performances will take place at St Anthony Church, Siolim, and Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim, whose high ceilings and vaulted spaces will enhance the concert’s natural acoustics.
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The concert will begin with a violin concerto by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by soloist Martina Charles from Kochi, winner of the 2023 Con Brio Violin Competition, under guest conductor Smit Shah. The evening’s highlight will be Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, performed by the 104-member Stuti Choral Ensemble, featuring Kersi Gazdar and Rahul Bharadwaj as soloists. The programme will conclude with Rossini’s stirring Amen from Stabat Mater.
Founded in 2009 by Fr Eufemiano Miranda, the Stuti Choral Ensemble began as a small group of singers united by their passion for choral music. Now led by conductor Parvesh Java, Stuti continues to bring world-class classical performances to Goan audiences. “Messa di Gloria is such a joyous and festive work — full of energy, beauty, and deep emotion,” said Parvesh. “These concerts are possible because of the Church’s support, and it’s heartening to see people from all walks of life come together through music.”
Eshvita Menezes, leader of the Stuti String Ensemble, described the experience as both “a challenge and a privilege,” praising Puccini’s music for its precision and passion. Pianist Nadine Crasto will accompany the ensemble, with the performance lasting about 70 minutes without intermission.
The Stuti Ensemble’s last concert in November 2024 — Rossini’s Stabat Mater at St Anthony Church — drew audiences from across India. Parish priest Fr Dr Socorro Mendes expressed excitement about their return, saying, “We are thrilled to have them back, because the music Parvesh will direct uplifts our souls to God.”
The concert promises to be a deeply spiritual and uplifting evening, uniting Goa’s finest musicians in a celebration of Italian sacred and classical brilliance.
