Luis Dias is a man in a hurry. He fits the description of the absent minded genius, who speaks fast and often has many thoughts going on in his head at the same time. Growing up in Goa, Luis loved music with a passion and played the violin but with little career guidance at that time, he ambled along the traditional academic route and went on to become a doctor. Instead, given a chance, he would have happily pursued music whole-heartedly. His sensitive nature comes to the fore when he says, “Although Goa is still way ahead in terms of developmental parameters, social inequality always bothered me. I always questioned why people owing to their birth had to be disenfranchised.”
In 1998, Luis went to England to further his medical career and to better his music repertoire. While there, he even played the violin with the Corinthian Chamber Orchestra. The thought of tapping into the talent of children caught his fancy. Explaining his proposition, Luis says, “We have so many poor kids in India whose talent could be tapped young and the idea of changing their lives through music seemed exciting.” His belief only grew stronger when he attended the BBC Proms Festival in Royal Albert Hall, London in 2007. There, he heard two orchestras formed by disadvantaged children. It was as if the universe was giving him a sign that it was possible! Later, while attending the Soweto Buskaid String Ensemble, he was amazed by the confidence and verve of these kids. Luis adds, “One of these South African children spoke post concert and said that music saved his life. When surrounded by crime, violence and drugs, music gave him a lease of life.” That incident sealed it for Luis. He had to pursue his passion for music and link it to social change.
He gave up a lucrative career as a doctor in UK and returned home to Goa. In 2009, he registered Child Play India. Luis had one teacher training 10 children in 2010. Today, he has six teachers and they currently run an after school programme and teach violin, viola, cello, recorder, clarinet and piano to over 60 children from Hamara School (a school for street children in Panjim), Auxilium School (Caranzalem) and St.Cruz Village. They also have an additional 40 children in their choir project. Funds now largely come through individual donations & adopt-a -musician schemes.
The importance of good quality dedicated teachers in training for orchestral music is paramount. “It just elevates the level of music education.” says Luis There are many international teachers who want to join hands and come to India to partner with this programme. However, the government regulation of getting an Employment visa coupled with the stipulation of paying USD 25,000 a month makes this option difficult. Luis adds, “Musicians from overseas come over to offer a Master-class but to build something solid, we need a dedicated resource. Goa is a fertile ground for an initiative like this to soar.”
One would wonder why Luis persists with the difficult terrain of orchestral music. “Why not?” says Luis indignantly “Why should we feel bashful about classical music. Why not try? Through Child’s Play, we have the ability to set up the first music conservatory in the country!”
Establishing two orchestras in Goa, Camerata Child’s Play India and Junior Camerata, Luis is keen on the possibility of having international musicians come here to train other teachers, teach these children and also play in concerts together.
Citing the benefits of music in the lives of these children, Luis emphatically states, “Studies have shown that learning music makes you more focussed and cultivates discipline and patience. In our programme, there are hardly any dropouts. Even if these children do not go on to become professional musicians, music will always be a part of their lives. To me, the biggest plus is in imbuing a certain ‘Insaniyat’ or humaneness, making one more sensitive and aware as an individual.”
These children are given performance opportunities, both solo and ensemble at the annual Monsoon and Christmas concerts. When the children’s orchestra plays Vivaldi’s Gloria or a Bach concerto, the biggest myth that classical music is meant for a certain class of society is shattered. That alone deserves a standing ovation.
Watch these children perform at the upcoming Christmas Concert on December 10, 6:30p.m at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim. Donation passes available at Furtados Music Stores.
