Celebrating a Legacy: In honour of COOMI WADIA

Celebrating a Legacy: In Honour of Coomi Wadia is a special Western classical music concert expressing gratitude to Coomi Nariman Wadia for her extraordinary contribution to choral music in India.

Presented by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Paranjoti Academy Chorus, the concert brings together the chorus, the Symphony Orchestra of India Chamber Orchestra, guest choristers and an international lineup of soloists under the direction of renowned British conductor Gregory Rose.

Programme:

• Johann Sebastian Bach – Magnificat in D major

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Coronation Mass

• George Frideric Handel – Zadok the Priest

• Selected Indian musical works.

Performers:

• Paranjoti Academy Chorus

• SOI Chamber Orchestra

• Guest Choir, Chennai

• Members of the Colombo Philharmonic Choir

Soloists:

• Silvija Radjen Kumar — Soprano

• Cathlin Esther — Soprano

• Tanisha Herbert — Alto

• Amar Muchhala — Tenor

• Martin Snell — Bass

Founded by Victor Paranjoti in 1960, the Paranjoti Academy Chorus is one of India's oldest and most distinguished choirs. It is known for presenting music across languages and historical periods, including Indian compositions arranged in Western choral form.

Coomi Nariman Wadia, a Padma Shri awardee and the choir's Conductor Emerita, led the ensemble for more than five decades. This concert celebrates her enduring legacy and the influence she has had on generations of musicians and choral performers.

The programme offers audiences an opportunity to experience renowned choral masterpieces alongside Indian musical works in a tribute to one of India's important figures in choral music.