It’s housefull. Both the ground floor and the balcony of Venkata Subbarao Hall. I squeeze my way through a row of elderly people seated in the second row. Conductor Augustine Paul has his back to us, his baton hanging loosely between his fingers. Mikes hang like wild creepers from the roof. The stage is set for the Mellow Circle Choir’s fifth edition of The Magic of Music.
The Saturday evening starts with ‘Celebration’. Augustine flicks his stick, jumping a little on his heels. The choir obeys. Women dressed in rainbow-coloured flowy tops sway a little and men dressed in black and black with a red scarf, stamp their feet to the right beats. Keys, drums, bass and guitar add oomph. Voices rise and drop in sync with Augustine’s hands. The Kool & the Gang’s number is followed by a dreamy ‘California Dreamin’ medley, ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin and Enya’s first big hit ‘Orinoco Flow’ — as soothing as the blue waves projected in the background.
Theatre actor and host of the evening, Sandeep John, directs our attention to a bunch of Malaysians and Malaysian delegates who are part of the audience. He says that the Mellow Circle is collaborating with The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, Malaysia, in aid of children with HIV in Prathyasha — Home of Hope, for this edition of the musical evening. “For the first time,” his voice booms, “a 100 singers from both the groups will join here on stage to perform for you.”
Slowly, the stage fills up. Elbows brush against each other, knowing-nods and smiles are exchanged. Each woman dressed in kebaya (traditional Malaysian dress for women) or man in batik (traditional textile art of Malaysia) has a Mellow Circle choir member on either side. A perfect mix. In contrast to the sharp flicks of Augustine, Phil’s conductor, Cheryl Teh uses her hands to lead the ensemble, manage the beat and tempo. The 100 voices tell us why they sing (Read ‘Why We Sing’ by Kirk Franklin). The Phil also perform two patriotic numbers in their native language.
It’s almost past dinner time for many. They shift in their seats. That’s when the Mellow Circle group brings a huge biryani vessel on stage. A few crane their necks to see if there is really any food. But it is just an act by the choir. They perform to Meghan Trainor’s ‘All About That Bass’ spoof on biryani by the Beef Sapad Trio. Hilarious for the city crowd, enlightening for the Malaysians — with the lyrics subtly complaining about the beef ban.
