Ketevan Music Festival to Revitalize Historic St Augustine Church Ruins in Old Goa
The atmospheric ruins of St Augustine Church in Old Goa are set to come alive with the sounds of the Ketevan Music Festival, scheduled for February 27 and 28. This two-day cultural extravaganza will begin at 6:30 PM on both evenings, offering a rich tapestry of musical performances in a historic setting. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Georgia and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), highlighting a strong international partnership aimed at promoting cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
Opening Night: A Blend of Folk, Georgian Chants, and Kathak-Jazz Fusion
The inaugural evening on February 27 will feature three distinct performances that showcase diverse musical traditions. The festival kicks off with Eastern folk music, presented by the Bengal-based Baul duo Goutam Das Baul and Sanchita Choudhury from Shantiniketan. Their soulful renditions will set the tone for an evening of artistic exploration.
Following this, audiences will be treated to the enchanting sounds of Georgian traditional music by Ensemble Sathanao. This choir is dedicated to preserving Georgia's rich musical heritage and restoring ancient chants, aligning with the country's celebrated polyphonic singing tradition, which has been recognized by UNESCO. This marks the ensemble's debut performance in Goa, adding a unique international flavor to the festival.
The opening night concludes with 'Kathak Meets Jazz', a groundbreaking cross-cultural collaboration by Labonee Mohanta from San Francisco. This performance masterfully blends the intricate footwork and expressive storytelling of kathak with the improvisational energy and harmonic complexity of jazz, creating a dynamic and innovative artistic experience.
Second Evening: Orchestral Fusion and World Music Tributes
The festival continues on February 28 with two major performances that further emphasize its global scope. String Concerto for Peace, an original composition by sitar maestro Imran Khan, seamlessly integrates Indian classical music with a Western string orchestra. This piece promises to be a harmonious dialogue between Eastern and Western musical traditions, reflecting themes of unity and peace.
Wrapping up the festival is a performance by award-winning Goan vocalist Nadia Rebelo, who will present fado and world music. Rebelo skillfully incorporates elements rooted in Goan, Konkani, and Portuguese folk heritage, offering a poignant tribute to Goa's multicultural legacy. Her music resonates with the region's historical influences and contemporary artistic expressions.
Accessibility and Expected Audience
With free entry for all attendees, the Ketevan Music Festival is designed to be inclusive and accessible to a wide audience. The diverse lineup spans folk, classical, choral, orchestral, and fusion genres, ensuring there is something for every music lover. The event is anticipated to attract not only local cultural enthusiasts but also tourists and international visitors, drawn by the unique combination of historic ambiance and high-quality performances. This festival serves as a vibrant celebration of music and culture, set against the backdrop of one of Goa's most iconic heritage sites.
