From the editor’s desk :-

Dear Do..Re..Me..Fa.. browzers,

Once again, a hearty and warm welcome to each one of you, to this unique music column. After the scorching heat of the month of April / May, the monsoon rains have struck our home land in India.  Many families from the gulf have packed their baggage to spend their summer vacation in the rainy weather of Mangalore / Goa / Mumbai etc.. Keeping in mind this happy note I’m ready to play for you a sweet chord of Konkanni music.  This sweet chord is a living legend with a lovely smile, a lady with sparkling eyes, a singer with a voice that is pure dynamic.  She is none other than the world famous ‘the voice of Goa’ of ‘Hello Lorna’ fame – LORNA.

Truly, Lorna is unique. She make Konkanni music lovers in Goa and worldwide proud everytime she picks up the mike and with her golden voice fills the air.  I was really fortunate to have a personal meeting with this nightingale few days back here in Muscat.  I cannot forget her simplicity and warmth that she displayed during our meeting. As I present to you the extract of our meeting, I’m sure you will have a vibrating experience of musical waves through each and every of your vein.

Thank you, dear, for browsing this unique music column.  See you again next month at the same site, with another sweet chord of music.  Until then, bye.

Gerry D’Mello

“HELLO LORNA”
“LORNA” – The nightingale of Goan Music

On 7th of May 2004,  Lorna was at Muscat enchanting and enthralling her music fans with her golden voice.  It was a superb performance touching a chord in every Goan and Mangalorean heart in Muscat.  Lorna singing live again!  During Lorna’s short stay and busy schedule in Muscat, the editor of this column, Gerry D’Mello was privileged to have a brief tête-à-tête with the artiste.  The following is the extract of that interview.

Q : Lorna, you have a place of pride in Goan Music.  Could you tell us about your family and Goan connection?

A : I was born in Mumbai on 9th August 1946 and was brought up there.  But my parents hail from Saligao, Goa and ours is a typical Mumbaiyite Goan family.  My father’s name is Theophilus and Mother’s name is Cecelia Cordeiro.  We are 6 children in the family, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.  I am the third child among them.  I had my education in Mumbai and I have finished my metriculation (SSC) there.  I used to love music from my childhood and particularly I liked singing Konkanni songs.

Q : Who were the persons that influenced to bring out your music talent to lime light; and who was your music guru?

A : My family encouraged and supported my singing talents.  But undoubtedly the Goan music genius Chris Perry made me a popular singer and he is my music guru.  Recognizing my music talents, Chris Perry chose me as a singer in his 24 piece Band.  From the age of 15, for 9 years, I sang for Chris Perry’s Band in English, basically as a Jazz singer in Star Hotels and Night Clubs not only in Mumbai but also in Delhi, Calcutta, Madras and Bangalore.  Chris Perry also composed many Konkanni Songs for me which I delivered them perfectly.  The songs like Pisso, Bebdo, Red Rose etc.. have become unforgettable hits resounding in every Goan family.

Q : Could you tell us something about your mysterious self-imposed long exile from music?

A : Yes, on 9th August 1973, on my 27th birth anniversary, I went into an exile from music due to an u