More than six decades ago, Prabhu G. Dorairaj, the visionary founder and conductor of the Lutheran Men’s Voice (LMV), embarked on his musical path as a young treble in the Adaikalanathar Lutheran Church choir, nestled on Chennai’s vibrant Tana Street in Purasaiwalkam. By the age of 24, Dorairaj, alongside his friends Premkumar Immanuel, Selvaraj, and D. Prabhakar, formed a youth singing group. Their performances at venues like the Tamil Methodist Church in Vepery led to the official launch of the LMV in 1975, initially as a double quartet with eight members.
Remarkably, 50 years on, the initial four founding members continue to lend their voices, forming an integral part of the current 17-member ensemble. Dorairaj fondly recalls, “I often miss Reuben Theodore of the Three Chords; he was instrumental in our beginnings and sang first tenor for us.” The choir’s musical scope extends far beyond traditional Lutheran hymns, embracing a wide array of genres. Its members represent a diverse age range, from 28 to 75, and proudly includes three second-generation singers: Ebenezer (Dorairaj’s son), Rajmohan, and John Ragland.
Dorairaj, a self-taught musician and former SBI official, has dedicated 40 years to directing his church choir. The late Rajeevan David was a beloved accompanist for LMV’s concerts. While their 40th and 45th-anniversary celebrations took place in Bangalore, Chennai audiences eagerly anticipate their performances at least three times annually, typically around Passion Week, Christmas, and other special occasions throughout the year.
The choir is a cherished presence at events like ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in Chennai, where their performance of ‘Thaththuva gnaana puththuyir’ from Kannadasan’s Yesu Kaaviyam, expertly arranged by their director, earned widespread acclaim. Their versatility shines through a diverse repertoire that includes hymns, spirituals, Tamil keerthanais, and gospel songs delivered in English, Tamil, and occasionally even Malayalam and Hindi. Beyond their musical endeavors, the LMV is deeply committed to mission work and charity, currently sponsoring ten children from underprivileged backgrounds through a dedicated seva mandal.
Premkumar, a co-founder, attributes the group’s enduring legacy to “the grace of God.” Rajasuriya, a long-standing member and former LIC official, emphasizes that this significant anniversary symbolizes the choir’s unwavering dedication to family, faith, and shared commitment.
Suresh Kumar, a retired World Vision executive, eloquently describes his experience with LMV: “Being part of this group taught me the invaluable lesson of appreciating diverse personalities and contributions, understanding how each individual is indispensable in a team. Prabhu fostered an environment open to various expressions and new ideas.” He highlights the unique blend of “the wisdom of the elderly and the energy of the youth” that characterizes the choir, noting the remarkable range of professionals who have joined their voices – from government Under Secretaries singing tenor, to a former Head of Commerce Department at Loyola College, a past Marthoma Church choir director, marketing executives, young IT professionals, an assistant engineering professor, and retired individuals like himself.
Mark your calendars! The Lutheran Men’s Voice will host their highly anticipated Golden Anniversary concert on October 17, at 7 PM, at the prestigious Museum Theatre, Egmore. Admission is free, inviting everyone to partake in this celebratory musical event.
How performances have changed
Reflecting on the evolution of their performances, Prabhu G. Dorairaj explains, “When we began in 1975, choosing songs was straightforward; we primarily focused on spirituals and harmony. However, as the years progressed, the demand for variety grew, prompting us to explore other genres.” He notes that their strong foundation in the rich German musical heritage of the Lutheran tradition facilitated a smooth transition into semi-classical pieces, including excerpts from composers like Bach. Simultaneously, they consciously adapted their arrangements to incorporate contemporary music, catering to younger audiences. Five decades of performing together have honed their skills, enabling them to confidently interpret works by Western masters such as Handel, Haydn, and Mozart. Dorairaj observes that the late 1990s saw a proliferation of talented young groups, and by the turn of the century, Chennai was vibrant with numerous small and medium-sized musical ensembles. Now, on the cusp of their Golden Jubilee, having navigated diverse musical landscapes and encountered various talented groups, the LMV feels a profound sense of satisfaction, believing they have offered their very best to the city’s music enthusiasts.