The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, is the realization of a dream which began as The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble, under the direction of its conductor, Alfred J. D’Souza. The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble of the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy, now celebrating it’s 34th year, was conceived to promote International music in India while fostering a spirit of universal brotherhood and understanding. Through the years, the Academy has earned a reputation of being one of India’s finest choirs, gaining International recognition through representing the country at various choral festivals and competitions abroad – winning accolades and hearts world-wide. With a repertoire that 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 with song. Specifically in India, since 1989, the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy in association with the National Centre for the Performing Arts, founded the annual ‘Young Talent’ series of concerts, which have proved very successful in providing a cultural platform for talented young artistes from all over India, many of whom today are pursuing their musical careers in reputed conservatories abroad. Then again, 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 34th year come December 2018. The Group consists of highly placed professionals, school and college students, as well as people in service and retirees with an age span of 16 to 70 years and over, belonging to different faiths and communities from various regions in India. Through International exposure, The Stop-Gaps endeavour to live up to their motto of “BRIDGING THE WORLD WITH SONG”.