There is nothing more pleasing to the ear than classical music composed by music legends. And while usually, a concert of Beethoven’s classics is an affair with the piano or a quartet of strings, the effect is altogether different when it is an orchestra of over 170 singers and musicians.
That is the magic Bengaluru’s music connoisseurs got to witness at the recently-held concert by The India National Youth Orchestra and Chorus that delivered Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for the first time in India at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall.
Conducted by Vijay Upadhyaya, conductor and composer of the India National Youth Orchestra and Chorus, Vienna University, and the China National Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the troupe was led by soloists Payal John, Ankna Arockiam, Sandeep Gurrapadi and Jonas Olsson in unfolding the rhapsody.
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Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is the last one that he wrote on May 7, 1824. It is unusual because the last movement also has singing in it designed for four soloists and a choir. This is why it is known as the ‘choral’ symphony.
One of the choir directors, Neecia Majolly, says: “The choir practice began in February and was intense. The band and the choir came together for the first time only a little over a week ago and we have been practising ever since. But rearranging schedules was one of the key challenges that we faced as it was an Easter weekend.”
When asked about the emerging space for niche music in today’s world, she agrees that it is expanding gradually. “If you head to Europe, you will realise that classical music performances are not rare. But in India, we have a lot of talent but less support makes it hard to perform frequently. Moreover, events like these are hard to organise with local resources alone and of course, you need the money for it to happen,” she laughs and adds: “Thanks to Vijay who encourages classical music that it was possible for artistes from Austria and India to come together for the first time and perform in this concert.”
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Enveloped in the world of pop culture music, people are reluctant towards trying classical music. Here is what Neecia has to say about the impact of classical music. “The interesting thing here is that people think classical music is boring until they listen to it. Once you do, it changes your mind. Classical music rocks!” she exclaims.
From nay to yay
Neecia also believes that people attend concerts for various reasons and that each of them have a different frame of mind. “It would be influential if people, after the concert, head back home feeling that something has changed and something powerful has had an effect on them.”
To ambitious musicians and singers, she reassuringly says, “There are many welcoming schools and organisations that provide a platform for talented musicians, including Bangalore School of Music, which has been training and enhancing skills. It would be a great way to encourage the passion for music among youngsters.”