The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, formed in 1984, is the realization of a dream which began as The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble, under the direction of its conductor, Alfred J. In a short while, the dedication, drive and enthusiasm of its Managing Committee and members helped it to expand it to a fully registered Cultural Academy, which encompasses the promotion of music, dance and drama, and has left an indelible mark on the Mumbai music scene. The performances of The Stop-Gaps and its effort at fostering and promoting International music have been lauded by both, press and public. Thanks to the initiative of The Stop-Gaps many Indian choirs have been exposed to discerning and appreciative Mumbai audiences through the ever popular Festival of Festive Music, now in its 33rd year, while young artistes have been provided a platform to showcase their performing skills in the Young Talent Concert Series which has led to training in conservatories and even musical careers abroad. The Budding Brigade concert draws a large response from children between the ages of 7 and 14 years from across the country, who have achieved a high level of proficiency and seek making a public debut. The Academy also presents artistes from overseas, organizes workshops in association with other choirs, conductors and organizations, and has instituted an annual award for a musician who has contributed significantly and consistently to the cause of western music in India. Last, but not the least, the Stop-Gaps is an organization with a heart, having organized and performed, free of charge, concerts to support several charities. The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble is considered one of India's premier choral groups and has been described by music critics as a choir with a "velvet tone, remarkable discipline and finely controlled dynamics". Its repertoire ranges from serious classical to effervescent jazz and pop. Not only has the generation gap been bridged, but religious, economic and social barriers have also been broken down through song. The Group consists of highly placed professionals, school and college students, as well as people in service and retired persons, with an age span of 16 to 70 years and over, belonging to different faiths and communities from various regions in India. Having established its credentials on the Mumbai music scene with its thematic and wide variety of programmes, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble went on to enthrall audiences abroad representing India at various Choir Festivals and competitions which include the Festival International de Chant Choral de Nancy, France, in 1995 and 2002, the closing celebrations of Israel’s 50th anniversary of Independence, in1998 in concerts at Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, the 3rd Choir Olympics 2004 held in Bremen, Germany, winning two silver medals, the 4th World Choir Games – 2006 (Choir Olympics) held in Xiamen, China, winning one bronze and two silver medals and the 7th International Choir competition in Miltenberg, Germany , winning the bronze award. Besides this, the ensemble has performed by special invitation at Stuttgart, Berlin and Munich (Germany), Leige (Belgium), The Vatican, at a Papal audience with the late Pope John Paul II, Rome and Paris(France). It has graced several corporate events, been commissioned to perform special programmes and has also appeared on TV. Through international exposure, The Stop-Gaps endeavour to live up to their motto of “BRIDGING THE WORLD WITH SONG”.
