Like many, we had assumed a choir to be a group of singers and musicians dressed formally, performing only serious or religious pieces. If you share this perception, Capital City Minstrels, aka CCM, will surely change it for you as they did for us. They are indeed among the forerunners in bringing choral music out of churches and schools and presenting it to the public in India.

We just attended the Capital City Minstrels Christmas concert in Delhi. A warm evening of choral music, classics, carols and festive charm, it was a December tradition worth keeping. In fact, we have been tracking CCM for over a decade and a half at various events in Delhi, in churches, auditoriums, schools, museums and once at Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan. And every single time, they have raised the bar and set us on a high!

Who are Capital City Minstrels a.k.a. CCM?

CCM is a group of music enthusiasts from all walks of life who have come together for their love of choral and western classical music, like ballads, opera, pop, jazz, lounge, and so on. We have also heard them singing “Ekla Chalo Re”, the Bangla song by Rabindranath Tagore, and the Hindi “Jai Ho”, the A R Rahman hit.

Delhi’s eclectic arts scene, a living canvas of India’s intangible cultural heritage, is a hub for fusion. The CCM exemplifies this, moulding the Western choral tradition into an Indian practice. Their song list often includes Indian folk tunes and even cinema music, making choral music easy to enjoy and more relatable for people here. It reflects the mixed and cosmopolitan spirit of the city beautifully.

The choir comprises individuals from all races, languages, genders, and a phenomenal age range, from 18 to 88! From experience, we can say that melody and precision are their keys to a memorable performance. CCM is based out of Delhi but performs in India and beyond. While Christmas may be the season most people associate with choral music, CCM performs multiple seasons throughout the year and, of course, a special edition in Christmas.

Capital City Minstrel’s latest songs

Their just-concluded series of concerts – “An Die Musik – An Ode to Music” was held at multiple venues across Delhi, and we heard them at our favourite Kamani Auditorium. The crisp, little more than hour hour-long concert was a combination of classics to Christmas songs and carols. The repertoire was rich, ranging from classics like An Die Musik, Hear My Prayer and Let the River Run, to Christmas favourites like O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Silent Night, Jingle Bells in an offbeat tune and a warm finale of O Holy Night. The evening reminded us why CCM is one of the best choirs bringing choral music to everyone in India, with concerts that feel warm, joyful and full of festive spirit.

The atmosphere at the auditorium was friendly and relaxed, with families, children and music lovers all around. The stage lights, the winter evening and familiar carols created a cosy Christmas feeling. At one point, the audience waved mobile flashlights, and the hall sparkled like tiny stars, a very touching moment. The choir looked graceful in their black and gold India style outfits, a fresh and surprising choice for Christmas, bright yet modern, and different from the usual red and green Christmas colours.

The performance was charmingly guided by Conductor Nise Meruno, assisted by Riddhiman Dutta, while Chathavi Vupru at the piano added depth and warmth to the evening’s sound.

As the last song ended, the whole hall felt warm and full of emotion. It was one of those December moments when music makes even strangers feel connected. We walked out with a smile, happy that we came. It has become a December tradition for us, and one worth continuing.

Why you should attend CCM concerts

CCM makes choral music lively, modern and easy to enjoy, even for first-time listeners. Their collection is an assortment of classics, carols, fast music and global favourites. From popular numbers to soulful music, their concerts create a warm and inclusive experience for families, children and music lovers alike. As one of Delhi’s long-standing and much-loved choirs, their performances are full of energy and passion. No wonder the event was the perfect way to soak in the Christmas spirit on a winter evening in the city.

If you enjoy western music, choir singing, or just want a nice evening out, do try to catch the next Capital City Minstrels concert in Delhi in 2026. They also routinely audition for new choristers, so if the music bug has bitten and you need a release, you can join them and sing your heart out.