KOCHI: The biggest international Christmas tour in India, Gloria Deo 2009, came to the city on Saturday, 12 December. The music concert was held at Durbar Hall Ground at 5.30 pm on Saturday.

Live Jam, a nonprofit organisation that imparts rays of hope to young people through music concerts and radio shows, brought musicians from all over the world. The organisation aims at bringing people together in these times of low tolerance, divisive politics, religious conflicts and terrorist attacks. The music concert was aimed at spreading the spirit of unity, the message of hope and love and the importance of peace and togetherness.

Manhu, an international band from Amsterdam, soothed residents of Kochi you with jazz, soul, blues and folk music.

The band’s main influences are Dave Mathews band, Yellow Jackets, U2, Israel and David Crowder. Benny Prasad from Bangalore, an artist who has travelled to over more than 224 countries, and has three world records to his credit, entertained the crowd.

Benny has performed before presidents and parliaments, before the crowds of 2007 Military World Games, 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2004 Olympic Games. His travels earned him the honour of being ‘the most travelled Indian musician’ (Limca Book of Records). He has also designed two guitars (the world’s first bongo guitar and a 54 string guitar, ‘The Bentar’).

Stephan Devassy is a familiar name to Kochiites. A child prodigy, he has been travelling around the world with mainstream artists, climbing the ladder of success. He entertained Kochiites with his soul-stirring music. Recognised by the Trinity College of Music, London, as the best scorer in Asia whose record is yet to be bettered, he is currently the lead musician for Amritha Super Star Singer. Gifted singer Bonny Andrews will also perform live.