There’s no stopping them

The concert will include 10-minute performances

Dressed in formals, a young musician finishes his perfect piano recital, stands up, faces the audience, smiles, and takes a bow. The only difference this time is that they are watching his performance virtually.

While lockdown and partial lockdown rules continue to be deliberated upon, The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy is presenting the ninth edition of their Budding Brigade concert. The concert, which will be hosted virtually, will include 10-minute performances from 11 participants, including pianists, a male soprano singer, and a cello-pianist duo. The concert will include works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin among other master composers.

A still from a previous concert

Started as The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble, under the direction of its conductor, Alfred J D'Souza, The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, formed in 1984, promotes music, dance, and drama. It gives young artistes a platform to showcase their performing skills through the Young Talent Concert Series. "Earlier, we would organise this as a three-month event in June, July and August, showcasing the talent of young musicians aged 15 to 30 years. Then, we thought we should also give younger children a chance. Usually, children start learning music at five-six years. In 10 years, they take the Grade 4 exam at the Trinity College Of Music, the Royal College Of Music, or an equivalent. So we felt that's a great age for them to get concert exposure. That's how The Budding Brigade Concert for children between seven and 14 years started," says D'Souza, who is also the Academy's founder. "Performing online from one's home is different from performing in a concert setting. It's like participating in the Olympics without spectators. Most artistes are a bundle of nerves before the concert, so being at home might help calm them," he elaborates.

Alfred J D'Souza

Not everything has changed after the concert has gone virtual. "The participants dress as they would for an offline concert; they follow the same etiquettes," reveals Celina Lobo, honorary secretary. "We send the application forms between February and March. Our partner Furtados helps to publicise the announcement. Applicants who have a distinction in their Grade 4 exams from a reputed college are selected. We look at the quality of their music, after which they record a video of their performance. We string these together as a concert," she explains. While the concert is free, you can donate to help encourage young talent.

On August 8, 6 pm
Log on to: youtube.com/thestoaps