The Royal College of Music, London, students enrolled for the four year B.Mus degree have a real treat awaiting them. Their teacher and one of their fellow students come from Goa, a small place in India but big in musical talent. They are going to experience the awesome vocal artistry of Dame Patricia Rozario (O.B.E.), their teacher, and our young darling, Joanne Marie D’Mello, their colleague. Two charming, poised, dedicated ladies in the best Goan tradition, who carry the distinctive stamp of excellence.

Joanne is in demand everywhere because her striking voice commands immediate attention and leaves her listeners enthralled. She’s a featured artiste at the Capela de Monte Festival organised by Fundacao Oriente since 2002 and has performed at The Convento Cristo de Tomar in Portugal, the Tata Theatres at Nariman Point, Mumbai, the Down to Earth Jazz Festival and IFFI.”

After achieving the Performer’s Certificate in Voice as well as winning the Exhibition Prize from the Trinity College of Music, London for obtaining the highest marks in India, she was awarded First place at the Poona Music Society’s All India Voice Competition and numerous prizes for Voice or Outstanding Student from 1998 to 2001 at the Kala Academy Western Music Department.

In Goa, she has trained exclusively under Mrs. Juliana D’Sa and attended master classes by internationally renowned artistes like Jean Luc, Jill Feldman, Patricia Panton, Antonio Wagner, Tatiana Samoylova, Patricia Lobo and Celia Lobo.

On Stage Magic

Joanne’s solo recital at the Monte Music Festival swept the audience off their feet. Her wide ranging mellifluous voice, dramatic scene painting and mood tonalities in a balanced programme of Handel, Bach and Mozart was a total delight. The long phrases were handled with ease, the breath controlled to sustain the flow of melody while the passionate bursts erupted fluently and naturally. Joanne’s evocative performances of Massenet’s Elegie and Dvorak’s My song of love at the Pro Musica gala concert featuring our piano, violin and vocal stars were a prelude to great moments in Opera with arias from Puccini’s La Boheme (Mi chiamano Mimi), Gounod’s Faust (the jewel song) and Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro (deh vieni non tardar). Accompanied by Margarida Miranda, she elicited the intense emotions of the characters and displayed great versatility as she sang in German, Italian, French and English. At the Pro Musica Concert on Friday 30 September presenting our star singers, Joanne commanded admiration with her intense, dramatic, sharply characterised performances. Her Handel was exquisite and TheLaughing Song from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus was a showstopper..

Invited Overseas

The Director of the Conservatoire do Musica, Lisbon on hearing her performance of the Konkani hymn “Ruzari Saibini” with the Ensemble Peregrinacao choir from Portugal invited her to take part in the master classes given by the professors of the Royal College of Music in Estoril, Portugal. Joanne’s crystalline solo performance of the Konkani hymn “Ruzari Saibini” went straight to the heart, brought tears to eyes of many and the audience to its feet in a thunderous ovation. She had literally transfigured with a rich glow in voice and appearance. This performance, enshrined on the soundtrack of the ASI documentary on the Unesco Heritage “ Monuments and Churches of Old Goa”, casts a spell.

Not only a Singer

Her speaking voice has also attracted attention. She was awarded the Best Announcer Prize at New Delhi, has hosted a programme on 105.4 MHz, FM, was news announcer for Goan Eye, twice represented Goa at the Bournvita Quiz in Mumbai and won several prizes for Debating and Elocution. On the personality level, she was selected Teen of Goa and represented Goa in Mumbai and was adjudged the Best Cadet of the Karnataka and Goa NCC Directorate. She’s fit as a lark, excelling in badminton and athletics. She has also completed her Grade VI (violin) and Grade IV (piano). She paints as well – on glass and water colours: mostly flowers and faces of Egyptian women. And she is a B.Sc in Microbiology with a particular interest in biotechnology (Genetics). Wow!

The Future

She had lucrative careers stretching out before her – Research Scientist, PR Officer, Armed Forces, Air Hostess but she followed her heart and her special talent despite financial difficulties. Patricia Rozario has been a strong motivating force ever since she heard Joanne. Juliana D’Sa and Magarida Miranda, her parents and many fans have encouraged her constantly but the fees (over 12 lakhs per year) are a major obstacle. Rane, a constant fan of the young artist, arranged 6 lakhs, Shivanand Salgaokar donated 50 thousand rupees and suddenly it was possible for her to step into her dream. She’s confident the next three years will find the funds necessary for her to complete the degree. She and her mother believe that God will not neglect a child whom He has endowed with a special gift.

It’s about time that our many monied persons and institutions dipped into their large bulging pockets and recognised a genuine Goan talent. She’s chosen the uphill path to success. She deserves your support. As she says: “I believe there’s a Master Plan for all of us. I think that going in the right direction will make us reap the benefits of what we are here on earth to accomplish”.

Joanne, we admire you for what you are and what you have done and are with you all the way to the top. You deserve it.