Arts
Something old, something new from Old Joes
It’s a balmy Sunday evening as a few men trickle down the corridors and walkways of St. Joseph’s College. When they assemble outside a few deserted classrooms, the rich hum of their voices warming up for the vigorous choir practices that occupy most of the past few weeks echoes through the quiet of the college. “People don’t just come back for the singing it’s more than that, it’s coming back to college,” says Russel Valentine. In two weeks, the group will take the stage of the Lionel Wendt, celebrating two decades of a musical brotherhood as the Old Joes Choir celebrates their 20th anniversary with “Evolution: The Journey”.
Old Joes in full swing: On a journey together with a song in their hearts
The title of the show on September 23 and 24 is not unfamiliar to those who have watched the choral ensemble before. They have performed a series of shows with the same title; “Evolution: The World Stage” for instance, was held to raise funds to make the journey to the World Choir Games (2014). For Rehan Almeida, it only makes sense that their latest concert goes back to their roots in performing, sharing with their audiences the journey and evolution of the choir.
What began as a group of old boys being featured at the school carol service has grown into a choir of over 30 active members. Earlier this year, the choir began their celebration with a thanksgiving service titled “This is My Story”.While the evening of sacred music sung in their signature choral style is a comfort zone for the ensemble, which has roots in singing sacred music from their school days, it is only one stitch in the tapestry that is their potential. “Evolution: The Journey” hopes to show people the choir’s musical flexibility.
This time around, music lovers can look forward to pop, funk, jazz and rock music from the 90’s and today- music which has followed the choir of mixed age groups all the way from their own teenage years. While helping choose the song list, Rehan is excited about performing some of the numbers that moved him the first time he watched the OJC perform. Staple choir favourites such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one such piece which will make a re-appearance at the show, with an all new vocal arrangement.
Triumphant: The Old Joes Choir at the World Choir Games in Latvia, 2014
In addition to their powerful spiritual numbers and Barbershop style of singing, the choir has always had a penchant for changing the music they sing and experimenting with arrangements, making most of their performances both familiar and still fresh. It was their own desire to experiment that found the group performing in the Barbershop category at the World Choir Games, a decision they admit questioning till the last minute. It paid off ultimately, adding yet another dimension to the group. This time too, they are experimenting with new music, so look out for choral arrangements of hip hop and covers of local artists, including an original song.
For Russel, the chairperson of the project, the evening will be a mix of the “best of the OJC” and newer pieces they haven’t tried before. The show will encompass the hits of the Scorpions, to Michael Buble, Justin Timberlake to Justin Beiber, making it difficult to pin the choir down to one style. This year’s choir leader, Nigel Lord agrees, most of their performances are well known songs given a new take. Their style of performing- an almost dramatic storytelling feeds their connection with their audience, to the extent where the singing on stage is joined by the singing in the audience. “You really can feel the connection,” he adds, recalling how he felt the first time he watched the OJC perform while still in school.
For their dedicated inner schoolboy spirits, the chance to keep coming back to school is the element that keeps them together, explains Rehan. The show even finds most of the original members from 20 years ago still making their way to the practice sessions along with several other old boys who will take the reins on the other creative aspects of the show. Their celebration they hope, will share their journey with those who come to watch. “We want the crowd to see that we have evolved into something more,” says Nigel, echoing the others’ sentiments. A chance to look back at the beginning, and offer a glimpse into the future.
“Evolution: The Journey” will be held on September 23 and 24 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets priced at Rs. 2500, 2000, 1500 and 800 (balcony) will be available at the Lionel Wendt. For more information contact Kaveen on 0779195284 .