Expressnews
Concert for Friendship a mesmerisingmusical extravaganza was organised by the KM Music Conservatory in collaboration with British Council India to celebrate the ability of music in cultivating friendship in the presence of A R Rahman (Brand Ambassador India/UK Together, Founder/Principal KM Music Conservatory, Founding Director, the AR Rahman Foundation),Thiru Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi(Hon’ble Minister of School Education of Tamil Nadu), JanakaPushpanathan (Director South India, British Council) and Dr Adam J. Greig (Artistic Director KM Music Conservatory) at Sir MuthaVenkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Chennai.
The Concert featured popular works by Puccini, Verdi, Grieg, and Beethoven, there were also Scottish melodies, Naga and Tamil folk songs, and Carnatic melodies, all performed by the orchestra and choir. The concert also featured soprano Divya Iyer and the world premiere of Concierto Malabar, composed, and performed by guitarist Matt Bacon. The show was sold out and houseful, leaving excited visitors scrambling for tickets.
A R Rahman, Brand Ambassador India/UK Together, Founder/Principal KM Music Conservatory, Founding Director, the AR Rahman Foundation, said “As an artist, it is my absolute pleasure to support such an important cultural landmark, enabling creative excellence, shining the spotlight on diverse artists, and bringing diverse audiences together to appreciate the arts and culture”.
Speaking about the ‘Concert for Friendship’ Event, Dr Adam J. Greig, Artistic Director KM Music Conservatory, said “Bringing young people together to make music is a transformative experience, especially when this happens across country and culture boundaries. We are excited to be able to host our guests from Scotland and Nagaland here in Chennai and look forward to creating an exciting concert together, building new friendships and celebrating the India/UK Together season”.
Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Counciladded “The Concert for Friendship is the crescendo of the India/UK Together Season of Culture and celebrates the universal power of music across borders. With over 100 young musicians from Scotland, Nagaland and Chennai, the performance promises to be a treat and we are delighted to be able to have this show for audiences in Chennai. We are grateful for the support of AR Rahman, our brand ambassador for the Season of Culture, in helping create this symphony of art and entertainment. The concert will feature three symphonic performances brought together by our wonderful partners – AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra, Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise and KM Music Conservatory. Music unites people and it is wonderful how these artists have come together to create beautiful music and appreciate and celebrate each other”
The aim of the collaboration is to explore musical ideas and provide an opportunity for the exchange of cultures.
AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra, Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise, and KM Music Conservatory have been working remotely to listen to and learn each other’s music in advance of the India visit. The groups were working together in person a week before the actual performance. The concert that brings together young and emerging artists from India and the UK, not only aims to celebrate the rich musical traditions of both countries but also opens opportunities on global platforms for these talented students who mostly have limited access to resources. Bringing together students, especially at a young age, can be a life-changing experience that leaves an indelible mark on them and promotes deeper learning.
A wider outreach programme took place alongside the main concert during the week, involving young musicians and their teachers, holding workshops for schools in Chennai, in association with Rhapsody Music Education. In addition to the workshops, there was a special open-access performance presented before the main concert, allowing those who would otherwise not have access to experience the music and appreciate the skills of the young musicians. The initiative aimed to promote the positive benefits of music education and its transformative abilities to a wide audience and encourage more young people.
