The cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru is set to witness a sensational musical gala that will marry east and west, classical and contemporary, in an evening of soulful jazz undertones. The stage is set at the Kiara Academy of Performing Arts for an exceptional lineup of artistes, headlined by the Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter Deborah Mannas, who is no stranger to the city’s rich, cultural tapestry.
Deborah Mannas, a Bengaluru native who relocated to Hong Kong at the tender age of 25, has already amassed an impressive musical portfolio. With two solo albums and six singles adorning her career, she’s a beacon of melodic creativity, having cultivated her art from a young age. Her musical journey began at the age of 11, reflecting a history steeped in diverse genres ranging from classical music, jazz, rock, to pop. Now, her compositions demonstrate a distinct style characterized by “soulful melodies and inspiring lyrics,” embracing the eclectic influences of world music.
For this eagerly anticipated concert, Deborah won’t be taking the stage alone. She will be accompanied by the talented saxophonist Mike Inot. Like Deborah, Mike’s roots are planted in the vibrant music scene of Hong Kong where he has showcased his saxophone prowess alongside Deborah and various renowned jazz ensembles across multiple events.
The duo will be complemented by the remarkable The Soul Quintet. This ensemble features four luminary musicians from Bengaluru’s own jazz circuit — Joshua Costa on piano, guitarists Suvankar Ghosh and Joshua Lance, and drummer Vivian Rajan. This unique concert is set to present a plethora of compositions from Deborah’s rich repertoire, alongside other well-loved covers, adding their own local flair to her international sound.
Suvankar Ghosh, one of the distinguished musicians of The Soul Quintet, expressed his excitement about playing Deborah’s compositions. “Deborah has performed extensively in Hong Kong and wanted to bring her work to India too, and she chose us,” he said. The performance promises to be a melting pot of soul and R&B, with the quintet bringing their own interpretations to Deborah’s work. The ensemble is dedicated to improvisation, experimenting with various styles, and bringing something freshly brewed to the table, a process that Suvankar relishes. “As musicians, we enjoy the process when someone asks us to contribute to their work,” he added, emphasizing the group’s commitment to both honoring the music and reinventing it.
The harmony of talents continues with the Kiara Academy Choral Ensemble, directed by Wendy M Dickson, which is poised to provide a vocal grandeur to the event. The performance, expected to last an hour and a half, will be a testament to robust collaboration and the universality of music as a binding force.
The Koramangala Club Auditorium will host this grand presentation of jazz fusion on February 10, with performances at 5 pm and 7 pm. Audiences can anticipate a musical journey that promises to be both intimate and expansive, as the artistes render their various stylistic flourishes on a versatile canvas of sound. Tickets are on the market at a price of ₹499, available for purchase on Paytm Insider.
This event marks not just a homecoming for Deborah Mannas, but also a celebration of music’s power to connect across geographical and cultural divides. It stands as a shining exemplar of Bengaluru’s ever-evolving, inclusive, and eclectic music scene, inviting one and all to experience the soul-stirring fusion of jazz and the spirited essence of collaborative artistry.
