As Bandra Zonals extends beyond the suburb this year, witness choir groups from all over Mumbai sing

The Conchords.PIC COURTESY/ROHAN RODRIGUES

Now in its 69th year, change is in the offing for the iconic Bandra Zonals. For one, it has now been rechristened as The St. Andrew's All Bandra Parish Talent Contest. With a new identity, there seems to be more room. The first ever Festival of Choirs event will look beyond Bandra, and invite young choristers from Kurla, Andheri, Navi Mumbai, and beyond.

The Choral Riffs in performance. PIC COURTESY/Instagram

For Rohan Rodrigues who leads the Conchords choir from Vakola, it's a first with his group of choristers as young as 11 years old. "Everyone is putting their best foot forward. At the same time, we're on pins and needles as we await the big day," he shares. The Conchords will be joined by The Victory Chorus Line, Choral Riffs, St Blaise Choir, Vox Unita, Una, and The CMinors.

Choristers from The CMinors will join the festival

As for the selection of songs, the audience is in for a familiar mix that includes Africa by Toto, Somebody to Love by Queen, the choir staple Viva La Vida by Coldplay, along with worship songs like Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, a traditional African-American arrangement. Shall we say, the times, they are a-changing'!

ON September 5; 5.30 pm onwards
AT St Andrew's Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.
CALL 9820135515 or 9920160645 (for passes)