During my presentation at the launch of my book ‘Symphony of Passion’ on June 1, 2022, I had indicated my desire to pursue a special initiative to keep alive memories of the musicians associated with ‘Music Lovers’ and their passion for music.
Details about the book and the fascinating 7-decade-old story of musicians from ‘Music Lovers’ are available at this link:
After much thought over the next few months, and after discussing the matter with family, friends and musicians, I have considered a special project consisting of two parts, SPIRITUAL and MUSICAL, which would provide a befitting tribute to the musicians of ‘Music Lovers’ and music lovers in general.
The Salesian Fathers at the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda have very kindly agreed to collaborate in this project and have agreed to host both aspects of this project at the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda, for and on behalf of the families/relatives and friends of ‘Music Lovers’. Incidentally, this year is also the Golden Jubilee year of Don Bosco Fatorda and so, the first edition is likely to be organised in a little solemn manner.
1. SPIRITUAL INITIATIVE:
As the first part of this initiative, we will request the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda to celebrate a Mass every year to pray for the souls of all departed musicians of ‘Music Lovers’ and music lovers in general, and to thank God for the gift of music.
2. MUSICAL INITIATIVE:
As the second part of this initiative, a novel and first-of-its-kind annual wind instrument contest (saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, flute, etc.) will be conducted and it will be known as the ‘Blow and Glow contest’. Prizes to the winners will be handed over to the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda.
Both parts of this project may be hosted on the same day and the first such event can take place sometime this year, to commemorate the first performance of the ‘Music Lovers’ on August 16, 1953.
FUNDS
To make available funds to celebrate Mass and for prizes and other expenses to host the ‘Blow and Glow contest’, I hope to collect a fund of around Rs 2 lakh, which will be put into a fixed deposit and handed over to the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda. The interest generated from this fixed deposit will be used for this project.
A document will be prepared containing the terms and conditions of the entire project. This document will also contain the names of all musicians who performed in the ‘Music Lovers’, so that they will be a part of this legacy.
Donations in any amounts may be handed over to me. I will note down the name of the person (the name can be withheld if the donor prefers to remain anonymous) and the amount donated. The details of this amount along with a document specifying the terms and conditions will then be handed over to the Salesian Fathers at the Don Bosco Oratory at Fatorda, to implement this project.
Any amount donated would be greatly appreciated towards this special project. In case of any query or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone (9860597117) or email (misquita@outlook.com). I will update you on every significant development regarding this project.
Let us remember our beloved Music Lovers, and music lovers in general, in prayer and play!
Thank you.
Melvyn Misquita
