Mellifluous but powerful, her voice is magical, to say the least. Rahael Mathew is no stranger to the city though she currently lives in the U.S., and Bangaloreans are in for a treat this weekend as the prolific singer performs here.
The concert is in aid of hospital care for poor patients at the CSI Hospital, Rahael says. “This is the first time I'm doing a performance to raise funds for a charity and this is only a baby step towards something bigger. It's a pity that many people cannot afford treatment and medication and when one can do something to better the condition of the lesser privileged, one should take the plunge. The feeling of doing something you are passionate about for a cause is truly exhilarating.”
Apparently it was Rahael's dad and a friend of his who thought of putting this concert together. “They're on the hospital board and since I usually visit my family once a year, they managed to coordinate the two.”
For those who expect to see Rahael perform within her usual range, the singer informs that this concert will see her crooning to a wider array of genres from pop numbers and ballads to soft rock, etc. This is only her second solo concert in Bangalore since her graduation from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy, New York.
Rahael will be accompanied by a band comprising talented and popular musicians such as Tony Das, Aruna Zachariah, Leslie Charles, Jason Zachariah and Kishan Balaji.
Having sung with several of Bangalore's finest choirs, namely Christine Colaco's Children's Choir, Rhythm ‘N' Groove and Glorious, her proficiency in music has taken her to other cities like Hyderabad, Kerala and Mumbai.
Growing up to love it
For someone who started studying piano at the age of six and voice at the age of 11, one would think she enjoyed studying music as a little girl. However, despite showing an aptitude for it, Rahael confesses: “I didn't exactly enjoy all of this very much as a child but I was good at it and my parents made sure they pushed me forward to better my skills. It was as if even my extended family had formed this shelter around me and I'm blessed to have a family like that. It was only when I was around 12 that I realised music is where my passion lies and that I was going to be a singer when I grew up.”
A singer of course she is, but Rahael's interest in musical theatre was realised when she was cast as the female lead Maria in the Artistes Repertory Theatre's production of “West Side Story” in 2003.
This was only a stepping stone to success for Rahael as her first role post graduation was that of Belle in Eastlight Theatre's production of Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” in Illinois, U.S.A.
“I've watched and enjoyed Broadway musicals but it's a different feeling being taught by these artistes and being a part of a phenomenally huge musical theatre production.”
Pursuing a passion demands sacrifice. “We don't become famous overnight. We practice and work on our skills for hours without end. This isn't the kind of profession where one graduates and lands a job. It could take several years to get established but what propels us forward is inner satisfaction,” Rahael opines.
She thinks the biggest challenge for musicians in India is that they're expected to have a “real” or “regular” profession. But Rahael is glad the music scene in the city is looking up. “Now many youngsters want to make a full time career out of music and they actually work towards it. They are skilled but more importantly are committed. They don't believe in taking shortcuts, and the effort, time and discipline they put in must be applauded. Also with music schools coming up in every nook and corner of the city, there are more chances to develop one's musical talent.”
Although she's got it going good in the U.S. where she also performs as a soloist with the prestigious 75 member Peoria Area Civic Chorale, Rahael hopes to return to India where she plans to teach music. “Bangalore needs music teachers with global exposure so I'm hoping to be one of them.” Rahael's concert is on September 18, at 6.30 p.m. at the Bishop Cotton Boys School.Donor invitations for this charity concert are available at the Levi's Stores on Brigade Road, Forum Mall, 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar, Jayanagar, RT Nagar, HRBR Layout & Vittal Mallya Road. They are also available at Lusitania Foods, Mosque Road.
