Shortz’ Strikes a Chord: Chennai’s Mini Maestros Shine in Debut Performance

Music lovers in Chennai were in for a treat as “Shortz”, possibly the  youngest choir in the city took to the stage at the Music Academy in Chennai. The twenty  singers were just between six and fourteen.

Called “Songs You Know and Some You Don’t, the ensemble’s maiden solo concert, a three part harmony was well received. “I loved Fire Fly and Life’s a Happy Sony” said Mia. For Pratishta Raj it was again “Fire Fly” her favourite.

The concert had a good mix of folk, pop and contemporary numbers from diverse genres and styles. Sharing the fun they had, Zubin Jacob Samuel said “While singing Rattle My Rattle we often switched to other words from the real words. It happened even today”.

The choir is the junior ensemble of the Madras Guild of Performing Arts.Three mentors from the senior ensemble trained the young talents. Explaining the choice of songs, Nathania Samuel said “We didn’t want anything mainstream. We wanted fun songs, themes they like”. On what would this mean for the young talents, Amita Daniel said “This is a chance for them to expand their repertoire. This is the first time they are doing a three part harmony”.

Directed by Atul Jacob, an Indian Choral and Orchestra Conductor, a Pianist and Pipe Organist, it was a celebration of Music. He says it took a while to mould the voices of the children as they keep changing in this age. He added “They are now in a more comfortable and confident position to take the stage and command the stage, for the character and personality thy alll have individually and collectively”.

The group would next perform at the Kodai International School in October. Many see this as a feather in the cap of   Chennai’s musical legacy.