Date: 12 May 2019
Venue: India Habitat Centre, Delhi

It is about 10 years that we have been watching choir concerts by Capital City Minstrels or CCM. They are a Delhi based congregation of singers who are bound by love for choral music. We have seen seasons come and go and the composition of the choir change. Yet they are a musically resilient group and this year they celebrate their 25^th year – a big applause from us.

CCM is currently holding their annual summer concerts. We watched them last Sunday at India Habitat Centre where they sang to a full house. There were about 60 singers who cut across age, gender or race. The sheer diversity of the group was mind boggling. Their white costumes with onion pink accents were succor to soar summer eyes.

CCM’s theme last year was “Peace”. This year their theme is “Love”.  The 10 odd songs they sang were all about love, again in its diverse forms. Some of the songs were from church choir about love for God. The others were about romantic love. The vocals were often accompanied by claps, foot tapping and simple body movements. The only instrument on stage was the piano. With so little paraphernalia, they created magic on stage and the audience listened in rapt attention.

We loved Neeraj Devraj’s rendition, the lead singer in the song “Stand by Me”. In fact we have heard him in most of their earlier concerts. The concluding song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was a number that we had heard CCM sing in their earlier concerts. It was therefore easy to hum along. But our favourite song this evening had to be “Book of Love”. It had easy lyrics and a simple tune. This song created instant connects. No wonder, this was the encore request as well.

CCM this season is being conducted by the extremely talented Sharmila Livingston. She, as we mentioned, moved her arms like a magician casting her spell.  And we are all still spellbound. The heavy footfall at Habitat coupled with children now being part of CCM is an encouraging trait. Clearly the interest in choir music is surging in Delhi NCR. CCM can take a bow for advancing this genre of music. Here is wishing Capital City Minstrels power to power – through love of music.

Capital City Minstrels are performing this evening, 14^th May 2019, 7.30 at Green Park Free Church and its open to all. If you want to see them in action – this is your chance.