Goa is witnessing a contest with a difference. The Nave Marg Golden Voices singing competition is a special event put together for senior citizens (60 years and above). And they have taken the stage and stunned audiences with their powerful performances
If you ever felt your grandparents can win any singing competition based on their natural talent, there is a contest in Goa that allows them to do just that.
Nave Marg Foundation in Association with Music Mania Foundation and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, have given shape to this unique idea to recognize the talent and bring out the best in our elders. And now, those very melodious Golden voices have used the opportunity to unleash their solo singing skills.
"In today's Goa, we have activities galore aimed at getting the younger generation to showcase their talent. It's a great opportunity for the youngsters and they make the most of it. However, the citizens of the golden age group, simply do not get that opportunity they truly deserve. This is a way of giving them that platform, said the organisers.
The auditions were open only to solo singing and were held in English, Konkani and Hindi.
The organizers made an ardent call to youngsters and others to encourage their grandparents, parents, neighbours and friends to participate. "There was no limit to the entries or in how many language categories the contestant wants to contest in. The key was to have fun and sing one's heart out,"said Dr Celso Fernandes of the Nave Marg Foundation.
The auditions were held on September 9 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and on September 10 at Clube Gaspar Dias, Panjim. It saw the seniors come in with family and friends. Most were accompanied by a good cheer team and it made the auditions lively and melodious. The seniors even performed songs and started dancing at the end of the contest. The judges at the auditions were Lulu Fortes, Seby Fernandes and Desmond Oliveira.
There will be cash prizes and trophies awarded to the winners. There will also be spot prizes and special prizes for the cheer teams of each singer.
The response to the contest and concept has been tremendous with social media platforms helping them spread the word. "The main goal was to encourage the grandchildren and the children of our seniors with golden voices to register for the contest online. The idea worked well and we did get a good response," added the organisers.
"Many senior citizens approached us to try and organize an event to give them an opportunity to shine on the big stage. After a lot of thought and planning, the idea of a singing contest for the 60 and above age group seemed something that would draw maximum participation," said Colin Savio Coelho of the Music Mania Foundation.
"Golden Voices, Goa, is reach-out to a talented generation that has not had the opportunity that the Goa of today presents to the younger generation. It's a unique contest because it's the first time such a contest is being held at a grand level," added Colin.
The contest plans to adjust to the needs of the contestants, rather than the contestants adjusting to the needs of the contest.
"For instance, we as organizers have even offered to arrange transport for the semifinalists to travel from the North of Goa for the semifinals at Margao.We will go out of our way to ensure that the travel is comfortable. We will even provide for wheelchairs, etc, if requested, " added Dr Celso Fernandes.
They had 47 contestants at the Ravindra Bhavan audition at Margao on September 9, while the Clube Gasper Dias audition at Panjim on September 10, saw as many as 30 participants.
Another advantage was that they saved a lot on printing and paper, which contributed to the green mission of both Nave Marg Foundation and Music Mania Foundation.
The semifinals will be held on September 24 at Gomant Vidya Niketan at 4pm. The grand finale which will also be a celebration of World Elders Day, will be held at Pai Tiatrist Hall at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on October 4 at 7pm.
