International Music Day Honour for Charles Dmello
Mangaluru: Charles Maurice Dmello of Kudupu has been chosen for the International Music Day Honour, presented by Mandd Sobhann in association with Sumell.
Non-Resident Indian businessman and President of the Abu Dhabi Konkani Cultural Organization, Leo Rodrigues, will present the honour on October 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar.
The presentation will be followed by the 298th Monthly Theatre, featuring a musical programme titled Vivid Ninad, presented by the Sumell troupe led by Raina Sequeira and the Winter Tone troupe of Bantwal. Businessman and social worker John Suresh will ring the customary bell to inaugurate the monthly stage programme.
A self-taught musician, Charles has mastered and continues to teach a wide range of musical instruments, including the violin, guitar, keyboard, banjo, mandolin, trumpet, saxophone and xylophone. He learned musical notation from Fr. Gilbert Gonsalves and gained proficiency in Konkani under the guidance of literary stalwarts V.J.P. Saldanha and Cha. Fra. D’Costa.
Eric Ozario allowed Charles to teach children, helping him further develop his musical career. His talent found a prominent platform through the Music Nites of Henry T. D’Souza, Wilfy Rebimbus, Saturnine Moras and the Konkani Natak Sabha. He also composed music for Tulu plays by Vijay Kumar Kodialbail.
Charles served as the chief trainer at Sangeetalaya, an institution founded by Fr. Walter Albuquerque to nurture talented children from underprivileged backgrounds.
He is an ‘A’ Grade artist of All India Radio (Akashvani), where he performs on the metallophone. He has served as a choirmaster at Kulshekar and Bendoor churches and has also contributed his musical services to the choirs of Valencia, Jeppu, Milagres, Cascia and Vamanjoor churches.
Charles has imparted musical training to children at St. Aloysius, Ladyhill, St. Ann’s, Carmel, Gerosa and Kotekar schools. Noted musicians such as Alwyn Fernandes, Cajetan Dias, Melwyn Peris and Devaraj were among his students.
During Mother Teresa’s visit to Mangaluru, Charles had the privilege of singing her favourite hymn. He also holds the distinction of participating as a choir musician in the Papal Mass during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Bajpe.
A multi-talented personality, Charles has also excelled in sports, winning medals in weightlifting, wrestling and bodybuilding.
Sumell
Established by Eric Ozario in 2015, Sumell is a Konkani singing club that provides vocal training in Alto, Tenor, Soprano and Bass. Every October, the club celebrates International Music Day by honouring seasoned artistes for their contributions to music and the arts.
Recipients of the honour so far include Vimala Lobo, Gladys Silver, Charan Das Mallya, Ustad Rafique Khan, brothers Ronnie and Donnie D’Silva, Rev. Ben Britto, Oscar Weltha, Roshan Martis, Simon Pais and Niranjan Sunil Kumar.
