PANAJI: Bringing back the tranquil experience of soft melodies atop the hill, the 18th edition of the Monte Music Festival, presented by Fundacao Oriente and Cidade de Goa, will be held from February 7 to 9 the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount, Old Goa. Addressing reporters, director of Fundacao Oriente Inez Figueira said, “Held at one of the most spectacular locations in Goa, the Monte Music Festival is a unique event, which has carved a niche of its own among all cultural events held in the State. This festival is a blend of international, national and local music that draws attention from across the globe.” Karan Godwani, Director Sales and marketing for Cidade de Goa, Suresh Khanna General Manager Cidade de Goa, Neeta Brid and Keith Pinto director sales Cidade de Goa were also present. The Monte Music Festival has seen the number of people that make this pilgrimage to witness a celebration of cultural dialogue, heritage, music and dance, increase every year. Although there is no entry fee, registration will be done on first come first serve basis due to limited seats. MMF 2020 gives special attention to choral music with three outstanding performances by local and national choirs. It also begins the celebration of 25 years of Fundacao Oriente in India. Monte Music Festival opens on February 7 with an Indian classical dance recital titled ftitumaalya - a Garland of Seasons performed by Prachi Saathi and Deepali Salil (Bharata Natyam), Saji Menon (Mohini Attam) and Namrata Mehta (Odissi) and will end in the Chapel with the concert Ave Maria by the Kala Academy Choir directed by Maestro Rev Romeo hifbnteiro. On February 8, the Goan sitar exponent Ustad Chhote Rahimat will delight the audience with his ragas along with Mansoor Khan and Dr Uday Kulkarni. The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble from Mumbai directed by Alfred D'Souza, will present ‘On a Prayer and a Song’ in the Chapel. The closing ceremony of the festival on February 9, will celebrate Rao Kyao’s return to Goa, after a great musical career influenced by his travels in India. The Portuguese musician will present a concert in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The final concert of this Monte Music Festival will be presented by the Goa University Choir directed by Maestro Santiago Lusardi Girelli and will feature the Portuguese soprano Maria Meireles and the Austrian pianist Karen Schlimp.