The Christmas Project Unearths Nirmal K. Das’ Carol, ‘Aaya Masih’

The new multi-media undertaking attempts to reacquaint audiences with the late Nirmal K. Das, the overlooked composer and poet behind the prominent carol.

During Christmas, choirs and carolers add to the festive cheer by performing well-known Christmas carols and hymns worldwide. In India, the Hindi-worded Christmas melody ‘Aaya Masih’ is one of the most popular during this time. Now, The Christmas Project seeks to bring to the forefront its composer, the late Nirmal K. Das, also known for cantatas ‘Sunlo More Bhaiya’ and ‘Ghabar Dootan Ke,’ among others.

India-born and London-bred actor, writer, and director Meneka Das (‘Bohemian Rhapsody’), the daughter of Nirmal K. Das, is on a quest to shine a light on her father’s works and tell his incredible tale. ‘The Christmas Project’ was announced with a music video featuring an immaculate-sounding choral rendition of ‘Aaya Masih’ by UK opera singers Rebecca Silverman, Marienella Phillips, Seumas Begg, and Adam Maxey, arranged by British composer and choirmaster Paul Ayers. It was developed in tandem with Bombay Dub Orchestra’s Andrew T. Mackay, an Oliver Award-winning classically trained composer and producer.

“My father often spoke about what it would be like to explore these elements of choral music, orchestra, and harmony in his Hindi compositions and make them accessible to the masses, so this vision became our starting point,” says Meneka in a statement, adding, “We decided to begin with a choral arrangement of ‘Aaya Masih’, with no instrumentation – just voices to bring out the soul of this incredible song.”

Song Credits –
Words & Music by the late N K Das
Arranged by Paul Ayres
Sung by: Rebecca Silverman (soprano), Marienella Phillips (alto), Seumas Begg (tenor), Adam Maxey (bass)
Song mixed by Glenn Keiles

You May Also Like:

Peekay’s Vocals Soar High on New Alternative Rock Single, ‘Horizon’

Bákayan & Groove Shack Bring The Goods On The ‘Neowl’ EP

Re.You Casts His Magic On Habischman’s ‘Evolving’ on SCI+TEC