Indian Navy has a long history not just of patriotism and valour but also of great taste in music and art. The origin of Indian Naval Band dates back to the year 1945 and from which it started evolving in an exemplary fashion. Their choices of musical genres range from western classical pieces, Hindustani classical and also with a tinge of film music which is why it is so versatile to hear. The East Naval Command Band headed by Commander Sathish K Champion, a second generation officer made a fantastic musical evening possible.
The concert began with eminent musicians playing the Fanfare track Man of War . The xylophone solo by individual artistes playing Flying Fancy was another highlight.
The band performed the famous medley from Hollywood classic The Sound of Music with great mastery and power. The lively trombones, trumpets and percussions played effortlessly under the able conducting of Sathish K Champion, S Janakiraman and Rajan Sumesh. The event also had a Bollywood twist with singers of naval command performing Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy’s Kandhon Se Miltain HainKandhe which made the audience travel the hues of patriotism.
However, the biggest thrill of the evening came in the form of a scintillating performance of ‘The Champions’ which had versatile overtones.
There was a great conversation happening between various band instruments which a precision that is hard to come by. A special mention must be made of the impeccable ambience created under the theme of ‘Indian Navy- Combat Ready Force for National Security’.
Several flag officers, defence establishment heads and senior government officials relished this unique evening celebrated under the commemoration of Operation Trident which led to India’s deserving victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Rear Admiral DS Chouhan, Station Commander (Navy) presented a replica of INS Arihant to the chief guest Narasimhan after the commencement of the band performance.
