CHENNAI: Every December in Chennai, it goes without saying that the catchword that’s doing the rounds is the ‘season’. As imposing an entity that the margazhi music season has become, there is another season that is quietly rediscovering it’s spirit during the same time — so much so, that it has a scene of it’s own! We’re talking about the carol season, for those in doubt. True, every year, Christmas does come and the celebration of the holy cherub’s big day is always preceded by concerts, during which carols ring out aplenty. But this year, Chennai’s host of choirs and music groups have been overwhelmed by the number of invitations they have received to perform carols. “It’s gotten quite busy this year. Compared to last year, the number of invites to sing at carol services has really gone up,” explains Augustine Paul, who sings with popular Christian a capella group Octet Cantabile and is associated with other top-notch choirs, “It’s almost like our ‘carol season’ is busier than the margazhi season this year!” he says in good humour. He reasons it out quite simply, “Almost every church, even conventional ones, want to have two carol nights — one for their own choir and one with other groups performing.” Little wonder then that the number of ‘shows’ have peaked in 2011.And it’s not just a case of calling the reputed choirs of the carol/music scene alone this time, as bands playing acoustic and electronic music are also very much in demand. “Normally, only concerts and outside events invite bands to perform,” says Roshan Santosham, vocalist of Organized Chaos which will be actively performing over the next two weeks. “But this year, we have seen a few churches opening up to contemporary music and bands. So, it’s a start.”So, does the burgeoning demand end with the city’s ‘big guns’ alone? Clearly not, says Jayanthi Prabhakar, Founder-Director of Crotchets and Quavers — a 61-voice kids choir comprising children aged below 13, “There were so many invitations to sing this time, I had to refuse most because the kids have exams,” she smiles, “Not that they mind coming to practice though!” The ‘tiny’ choir will still be doing six shows, though, so, you can imagine the number of initial invitations.“The Christmas buzz is just getting started,” says Dr Ravi Santosham, wisely, “By this time next week, carols will be in the air and things will be in full swing,” predicts the President of the 118-year-old Madras Musical Association (MMA). With the next two weeks ahead packed with shows, one thing is certain — holiday season or not, there isn’t much chance that Chennai will see a ‘Silent Night’ this Christmas.
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