Some Peaks he touched and some important events of his musical journey: Handel Manuel was given the distinctive privilege to compose music for the United Nations Hymn written in English by Shree C. Rajagopalachari , former Governor General of India , and the Hymn was sung by the world renowned singer M.S. Subbalakshmi at the U.N. Head Quarters , New York ; after training by Handel Manuel .
Mr . Handel Manuel was given the rare privilege to do the harmonization of the Indian National Anthem and he accomplished the job in an excellent and enviable manner .The British press reported :" The Westminister Choir was led in a very fine performance of the Indian national Anthem by Handel Manuel" .
Handel Manuel was really a remarkable man ,he was at his ease in the company of the elite and was equally with humbler common people. He kept himself in constant touch with the Consul Generals of Germany , the USA. The USSR, the British Dy. High Commissioner , and with Heads of Cultural Centres like Max Muller Bhavan, USIS, House of Soviet Culture, British Council, Alliance Francaise etc.
Handel Manuel was the only Indian to be invited as Guest of honour to the TCHIAKOVSKY INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION AT MOSCOW.
The renowned American composer ALAN HOVHANESS has dedicated his "Arjuna Symphony" and "An Organ Sonata " to Handel Manuel . In another occasion Handel Manuel was invited from the audience by the renowned Gospel singer , MAHALIA JACKSON to the stage to play at her concert in Chennai[Madras]; she has also dedicated one of her songs to Handel Manuel.
In 1978 , the wife of a former Chancellor of West Germany visited Madras and as she wanted to visit places of interest and importance in Madras, the German Consulate decided to take her to St. Andrew's Kirk as well ; so the Consulate telephoned the Church in this regard . When she visited the St. Andrew's Church , Handel Manuel happened to be there in the Church and Mr. S.W. Chandra Dhas who was in charge in respect of her visit to the Church, introduced Handel Manuel to the former first lady of the West Germany. During his conversation Handel asked her if she would like to hear some organ music , she said yes and requested Handel to play something sad . S.W. Chandra Dhas writes ,"Handel chose a Bach piece and the Honourable Lady sat on a chair listening . I noticed tears rolling down her cheeks; Handel had touched her emotions, I was sure. When the music was over she thanked Handel profusely ; and as she was leaving , she extended an invitation to him saying ,'when you come to Germany next, do not hesitate to call on me' ",[ KIRKSPIRE, January 1995]. And like this he was privileged to meet ever so many important events and personalities ,in his life time.
After his retirement as Dy. Chief Producer , for Western Music ,All India Radio , Handel Manuel was appointed Producer Emeritus , AIR and Doordarshan Kendra for Western Music. In 1982, Sangeet Nataka Akademy assigned him, the task of Investigation and Development of Music in Nagaland ; for reporting to Govt of India. More over Admiral Stanley Dawson invited Handel Manuel to Delhi to train and give polish to the Band of the Indian Navy ;which was declared the best of the three Bands of the Indian Defense Services , that year. Mr Handel Manuel was also invited by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu , Dr. J. Jeyalalitha , who was once Handel's student in the Church Park Convent School; to give polish to the Madras Police Band.
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Awards and Honours :[1] In January 1983 the Government of India ,awarded Handel Manuel ,the prestigious" Padma Shri" Award for the remarkable services he did for the cause of Western Music in India. [2] He had the distinction to compose music for the , "March India 1973" song for the Independence day celebration .[3] He was the one who composed the "Variations of All India Radio Signature Tune",[4] He was the Music Composer for , "The Golden Wand , A Dance Drama".[5] He composed Music for a Children's Ballet [6] He composed music for , "The Trumpet Tune". [7] Handel loved children and his , Uncle Handel's Children's Programme" over the AIR used to be an ardently awaited programme.
Handel Manuel and St. Andrew's Church : Handel Manuel's musical life was so intimately interlinked and connected with St. Andrew's Church, Madras,. Handel Manuel took over as Organist and Choirmaster of St Andrew's Kirk , Madras , in 1941. He served as the Organist and Choirmaster of St. Andrew's Church[Kirk] for 53 years till his death on 22nd October 1994. The holy worship service at St. Andrew's kirk ,Madras[Chennai] used to commence at 9 o' clock in Sundays, and Handel Manuel was one of the earliest Church goers, and used to arrive in the Church. even before the commencement of the Service. He used to check the supply of electricity and the working conditions of the musical instruments especially the Pipe Organ. Besides usual eight pieces of Organ Music by Handel Manuel , it was really musical treat to listen to Handel with the Choir . Handel led the congregational singing of the Hymns to the correct tempo;and almost every Suday ,Handel Manuel ,presented a melodious and beautiful anthem in the St Andrew's Kirk till his death.. He is no more with us , his absence is conspicuously being felt during the worship Services at St. Andrew's Church [Kirk], Madras[Chennai]. Mr. Fred Alberts , during Handel Manul's funeral service said , "Mr . Handel Manuel will remain part of the history of St. Andrew's church, Madras " . Yes that is true.
Handel Manuel's last journey : The great Maestro and Genius of Western Music Mr. Handel Manuel passed away on 22 nd October , 1994. His funeral took place on Sunday 23rd October, 1994, morning at 11 am. And the the memorial service was held on 30th October , 1994. Many paid fitting tributes to the departed Maestro of Western Music Mr. Handel Manuel . Let me conclude this Post by citing a condolence message received by Mrs. Alice Handel Manuel from Dr. Gudrun Vogel [ The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Madras], " Over decades we had a very close , harmonious and successful partnership with Mr. Handel Manuel, whose knowledge of western classical music we all admired and whose concerts--as a very able conductor or as organist and pianist -we greatly enjoyed....I sincerely wish that you and your family will find some consolation when remembering the achievements of Mr.Handel Manuel by which I mean not only the recognition among others by the 'Who's who in Music" or being awarded the Padmashree but the fact he could until the last live and work for the great love of his life-western classical music"..
Handel Manuel was taller than the awards he received .He was really a Genius and Maestro of Western Music in India.P. BABU MANOHARAN. M.A., [Rights reserved. This Article will be altered , modified and corrected later, if needed ]]
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