Choir singing brings with it memories of annual school concerts and one that dedicates itself to an evening of Broadway hits is hard to miss! Bang 100 is here to woo music lovers of the city with harmonies and old Hollywood hits this coming weekend. As the name suggests, they are a 100 performers from different backgrounds, all genders and even varied age groups. Bangalore Children's Chorus and the Bangalore Adult Chorus are both participating in the performance.
A tribute to the classics from the west, the choir will perform popular tracks like Ascot Gavotte from 'My Fair Lady', Consider Yourself from 'Oliver Twist' and Jellicle Cats from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Cats'. It will also feature songs from Les Miserables and Lion King and adaptations from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Starlight Express and Aspects of Love.
A still from The Lion King
Whether we admit it or not, these classics always find a way to seep into our hearts, says Nikki Andrade, a soprano in the choir. “Everyone has a little bit of Broadway in their souls… you can’t deny it! Some grow up with it and love it as it makes them nostalgic and others just acquire a taste for it, ,” says the 25-year-old. Her love for the genre is clearly visible. “We do classics like Mamma Mia and Phantom of the Opera! You just have to see it, 100 people crooning in harmony is not something that happens everyday!” she says barely able to contain her excitement.
Any show without a little flamboyance can turn into a snooze fest, especially if you’re not a fan of the subject. And what is a show without some song and dance? “Both children and adults will be jumping in and out of costumes to choreographed dance sequences and mini acts to transport audiences into the captivating world of each musical. There will be full choral numbers and duets. A live band will accompany the singers for all four shows,” says Andrade.
Even if you’re not a fan of old Hollywood, it will still be fun, Andrade insists. “Fret not!” she exclaims with a giggle, “it will certainly be an eye-opener! We guarantee a fun evening of music and fabulous costumes, even if you haven't been exposed to an event like this…The way I see it, you don't have to be a fan of the classics to enjoy good music and a fantastic choir to go!”
The performance has been choreographed by Judith Roby Bidapa and directed by Dr. Maya Mascarenhas, who is the founder of Bangalore Children’s Choir. All the proceeds from the show will be donated to Jeevrathni Foundation, which cares for destitute children. While learning is the primary objective of the choir, it is also important to give back with what you have, says, Dr. Mascarenhas, “Of course, learning to sing is the basic goal but perhaps our more significant and enduring vision is to show the children how rewarding it is when you give your talent to a cause. I believe, my kids have become better, richer individuals for that,” she says.
Watching the children perform made the adults want to join in, she reveals. Not wanting to be left out, parents and friends “bullied” Dr. Maya into getting an adult choir together, says Andrade laughing. “The BB 100 did start as a kid’s talent showcase event and then we adults pestered Dr. Maya to form a choir for us, too!” It was formed in February earlier this year and they performed for the first time with the internationally-acclaimed Toccata Singers from Ireland.
What: Big Bang 100, a tribute by Bangalore Children's Chorus and the Bangalore Adult Chorus to old Hollywood classics
When: August 19th and 20th, 4pm and 7pm
Where: Guru Nanak Bhavan, Vasanth Nagar
