The musical strains of choral, jazz, R&B, acappella among other musical styles will reverberate the Chowdiah Memorial Hall at the Deccan Herald Musical Festival, the biggest show in the annual musical calendar of Bangalore.  As many as 29 acts will perform over four days from December 12 to 15 from 7 pm to 9 pm. at the Deccan Herald Musical Festival.

Although jazz has existed in Bangalore for a long time progressing from the swing era, an increasing number of people in the city are taking an interest in the jazz genre. At least five jazz acts are schedule to perform at the DH Music fest - Gerard Machado Network, Rex Rosario Quintet, Raman Iyer (saxophone), The Jazz Revival and Amit Heri Group.

Gerard Machado is having an jazzy month this December. After having performed at Radio Indigo Jazz and Blues festival and Bangalore Habba, he is all set to perform at the DH Music Festival. Gerard Machado has a unique style of playing the guitar which is a blend of jazz, rock and blues. His music adds just the right note to any artistic evening. Born to a musical family Gerard began playing at the tender age of six. Today he is an accomplished and versatile guitarist.

Gerard is also a fine composer and has recorded many jingles. He has worked with many famous musicians for several years in India and abroad.

This maestro has conducted jazz workshops, scored the music for an English feature film, has performed at Jazz Yatras and naturally has featured on local and national television networks. He leads his own versatile band Network described as the ‘undisputed kings of Jazz in Bangalore ’, and he has also recorded several gospel albums.

Among the choirs which will perform are Glorious (see below) and the Christ College Choir and the Cecilian Choir.

Christ College Choir is conducted by Sunil Chandy. The Choir has brought out a full length album, “Sound Curry” with original music.

The Cecilian Choir started by renowned maestro, Fr Theodore Pereira, OFM, and late Mother Good Shepherd, the Cecilian has always maintained a high standard of excellence. The choir is adept at both classical, Broadway musicals, jazz and pop.

Pop diva Miracle Ward will be among the star solo performers of the festival. She can sing as powerfully as Whitney Houston. She has sung at Levi’s One’s to Watch concerts. She has been a part of Baldwin School’s music team, Jyoti Nivas Choir, Rhythm and Groove and Glorious. In 2001-2 she won seven firsts places in solo competitions. She also pursues classical piano.

Others who will perform at the Deccan Herald Musical Festival include The Pilgrims, Dinesh K, Arul (Grubby Halo), Freeville, Vatsala Isaac, Roopika Muthanna, Thermal and a Quarter, Preetam Koilpillai, Jasiel Peter, The Camerata, Acoustic Chutney, Benny Prasad, Sheba Kurian, Golf View Campus, Aishwarya Kasinathan, Solvitur Canendo, Tremolos, Renju George, Ruhi Ahamed, Byden Lewis.

For tickets prices at Rs 150, Rs 100 and Rs 49 call 98861-39323/ 25880192. Tickets are available at Deccan Herald, 75, M G Road.