Manukau Concert to promote Christian Music

Contrary to popular belief that all Christian Music are oriented towards Europe and the US using instruments of those Continents, people of Indian origin (PIO) say that their music is as indigenous as that of Carnatic and Hindustani versions.

That statement would come alive at a concert scheduled to be held at the Manukau City Baptist Church with a host of singers of the Indian Christian Gospel Orchestra on September 25 at 6 pm.

Peter Ravela, who regularly plays at the concerts of Blessed Reformers, an Auckland based Christian music group, said that the vocal and instrumental formats were inseparable and that they formed the core of Indian music.

“We use native Indian instruments such as Tabla, Sitar, Bamboo Flute, Indian Violin, Harmonium and Dholak to present The Good News and The Gospel, through Indian songs based on Indian Ragas and Taals. We believe that we have the finest musicians, with a record of achievements,” he said.

Mr Ravela is a regular performer on the Tabla and Dholak at Bollywood and other musical shows held in Auckland.

He said ‘Blessed Reformers,’ since its establishment in 2002, has been providing Christian music to PIO.

He said the Group, in partnership with World Vision and Asia Evangelistic Fellowship, raised funds in 2007-2008 to supports orphans all over the world.

“Our mission is to serve the community with the talents that God has bestowed upon us to foster better communal living. We have pledged to support all causes that strengthen humanity. The performers in our Group represent a variety of cultures and languages including Bangladesh, Fiji, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Ravela said the forthcoming concert would be embellished by the presence and performance of the Indian Christian Gospel Orchestra.

Photo : Peter Ravela