For many Delhiites, the last time they sang in a choir was during a school assembly, annual day performance, or inter-school competition. The lyrics may have faded, but the memory of dozens of voices coming together in harmony remains. Ahead of World Music Day (June 21), we look at how, years later, that feeling is finding a new audience through pop-up choirs where strangers meet, sing, and make connections.
‘It feels like a throwback to school choir days’
Nostalgia is often what draws people in, says Medha Sahi, founder of The Strangers’ Choir, a travelling pop-up choir that hosts pan-India sessions, including NCR. “A lot of people are drawn to it because of memories they had as children. But I don’t think nostalgia is the reason they stay. In the first hour, I group people into teams, and they bond quickly as they compete in a fun way.”
Unlike traditional choirs that require auditions or musical training, pop-up choirs are designed to be accessible. Participants are taught songs and harmonies during the session and find themselves singing as a group within a few hours. Medha, who is hosting another session in Delhi next month at the Akshara Theatre, says, “The biggest takeaway is realising that you are capable of more than you think you are. Singing is in itself highly cathartic and health-positive; the community aspect makes it even more powerful.”
For many participants, however, the journey begins with a familiar feeling. “It was a throwback to childhood and singing in the school choir – feeling that joy of being part of a bigger collective,” says Praapti Jayaswal, a scientist and music enthusiast who has attended three such sessions and learnt songs like Viva’s Humne Geet Sunaye, Ghanan Ghanan, and Dancing Queen. “What sticks post the session is the joy and happiness of creating something wonderful with people you don’t know,” she adds.
‘Community singing, drumming has become a necessity to combat challenges of modern life’
Community music gatherings are becoming places where people can build meaningful social connections. Harit Bhasin, who leads the Delhi Drum Circle, says, “When we started Delhi Drum Circle, life wasn’t as stressful. Today, with rising loneliness, mental health challenges, and increasing stress levels, community drumming and singing have become a necessity to combat some of the challenges of modern life.”
Talking about an upcoming Irish pop-up choir in Delhi, choir conductor Nise Meruno says, “(These gatherings are) a fun way to celebrate as strangers gather and sing songs by Irish artistes.” Arjun Sagar Gupta, founder of The Piano Man Jazz Club, hosting the Irish Pop-Up Choir, says, “Casual pop-up choirs became more popular in the early 2010s. It is a wonderful way to bring the stage to the audience and let everyone feel the joy of presenting music together.” The appeal, participants say, lies in the fact that there is no pressure to perform. The focus is on participation, not perfection.
The power of singing together
While pop-up choirs may be a recent phenomenon, the tradition of choral singing has long existed in the city. According to Nadezda Balyan, art director and conductor of the Delhi Chamber Choir, many people's first exposure to choir singing happens during childhood. “Many such groups are emerging now because they offer opportunities for self-expression and a chance to meet like-minded people,” she says, adding, “Choral singing develops a sense of community, teaches people how to work in a team and helps them understand the mood of others.” According to Balyan, “Music helps you shake off negative thoughts and lifts your spirits. Singing in a choir allows you to enjoy music, relieve stress, make friends, and simply feel young again.”
Sukanya Banerjee, founder of Upstairs with Us, which hosts classical music baithaks, says, “Even if one of us individually isn't perfectly in tune, when we sing together the room takes on a voice of its own. Music is for everybody. You don't have to do something because you're good at it. You do it because it's a way of expressing yourself. When people sing together as a choir, it takes on a voice of its own. While I haven't seen any evolved version of this in classical music, I hope to develop something along these lines. For now, what we have started doing is learning the beats, learning to predict the beat and clap together. It is a great way to learn music communally.”
Singing in a room full of strangers
Aarushi Sharma, who attended a session in Gurgaon, says, “I signed up alone and didn’t know anyone there. But you immediately feel (like a) part of a larger group... By the end of it, you’re just filled with joy, hope, and a sense of connection.” Artist and singer-songwriter Dhruv Visvanath recalls attending a session at Akshara Theatre last year on his birthday: “There were people from all walks of life who had simply shown up to sing. What I didn’t expect was the sense of camaraderie and togetherness. By the end, a room full of strangers was singing together in one big harmonic group.”
