The sounds of music re turned to a familiar heritage space in Old Market, Margao, as the Fabrica of Holy Spirit Church reopened the his toric Maestro Padr Camilo Xavier’s School of Music (Music Circle). As the ribbon fell, a few people in the gathering quietly wiped their eyes. They had come as former stu dents, as parents of former students, and as grandchildren of people who had once sat in these very rooms with a beginner’s uncertainty and left carrying something that stayed with them for life. The school, long shuttered and deeply missed, had re opened. The inaugural programme began with prayers and blessings for the institution, its teachers and students, with speakers describing music as a force capable of inspiring people, building harmony and bringing com munities together. Addressing the gathering, Fr Val adares said the reopening fulfilled a long-cherished dream of reviv ing the school and recalled how generations had passed through the institution over the years, con tinuing to cherish the memories attached to it. “We had a dream to restart this music school,” Fr Valadares said, describing the initiative as an “ap ostolate of music” aimed at nurtur ing young talent and encouraging music education within the parish community. He said the school would help stu dents develop their musical talents while also preparing future singers and musicians for church and com munity activities. Speakers during the function also acknowledged and credited those who had helped build and sustain the institution over the years, as well as those who had taken the initiative to revive and restart the music school for future generations. The programme featured hymns, choir performances and a mando presentation, reflecting the blend of Western and Goan musical tradi tions historically associated with the institution and adding to the nos talgic atmosphere surrounding the reopening. The reopened institution, referred to during the programme as Maestro Padr Camilo Xavier’s School of Music (Music Circle), now carries the sign board “School of Music, Margao-Goa” at its Old Market premises. Organisers said the school would function under the theme “Learn, Grow and Harmonise”, with the aim of cre ating a space where young musicians could build confi dence, develop their artistic gifts and strengthen cultural ties through music. The reopening has generated renewed interest among parishioners and music enthusiasts, many of whom view the revival of the institution as an important step towards preserving Margao’s long-standing musical heritage.
Music & memories fill Old Market as historic school reopens
