Meet the Maestro
The legacy of one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century stretches beyond musical brilliance. Towards the end of the 18th century, European thinkers like Johann Gottfried Herder began to conceive of cultural difference as being in some ways connected to the “national character” of a people. In its
Meet the Maestro
Music they say heals body, mind and soul. But one can be transported to a different world, even, talking to enlightened and genius musicians. This was the experience that I had when I caught up with the Symphony Orchestra of India’s Music Director, Marat Bisengaliev, in Bengaluru, after his
Meet the Maestro
The new resident conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of India wants to ask you if he’s made a mistake. By Mikel Toms Not long ago, I came across a drawing on a well-known social media site. “THE CHICKEN GAME!” it trumpeted. My curiosity was piqued. The rules of the
Meet the Maestro
There has long been a nimbus of greatness and moral quandary around Wilhelm Furtwängler, but listening to his wartime work in chronological order is a demythologizing experience. The German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler has long held an exalted place among practitioners of the enigmatic art of waving one’s arms in
Meet the Maestro
Alexander Lazarev is spoken of in the same breath as some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra. This month, the Russian conductor will lead the Symphony Orchestra of India in a two-evening programme at the NCPA. By Beverly Pereira Alexander Lazarev, one of Russia’
Meet the Maestro
Prominent Polish conductor Antoni Wit has striven to keep the Polish repertory alive throughout his illustrious career. We take a look at the achievements of the acclaimed conductor, ahead of his performances with the Symphony Orchestra of India. By Beverly Pereira When the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra made its debut at
Meet the Maestro
Serenade Team: You have performed in practically every style of the Choral repertoire ranging from the Gregorian chant to the 21st century. Do you have a personal stylistic preference? David Hill: I don’t have a stylistic preference or, indeed, favourite composer as I have always felt deep connections with
Meet the Maestro
Nikhil Sardana: Where did you grow up and pursue your music studies? What led you to choosing a career in conducting? Alexander Briger: I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. I started playing the violin at a very young age and became serious about this instrument by the age
Meet the Maestro
Nikhil Sardana: Could you share your earliest childhood memories related to music? A.R. Rahman: My father was an arranger for various composers and often acted as a versatile assistant to them. Back then, most composers were Carnatic musicians who created the tunes, and my father would arrange the music.
Meet the Maestro
Where did you grow up in England? I grew up in Northamptonshire where I completed my state school education. My initial music education came from choral church singing and the County Youth music system. What was is like to continue your graduate music studies at the Royal Academy of Music
Meet the Maestro
When did you first visit India? My first visit to India was in 2012. Since then I have been here numerous times for a variety of projects, concerts and masterclasses. My connection with India started in Buenos Aires when I was six years old and studied yoga and meditation as
Meet the Maestro
Why is choral music important? William Byrd said as long ago as 1588 – ‘ Since singing is so good a thing, I wish all men would learn to sing ‘. For men nowadays read everyone! The sheer excitement of making music with one’s own body together with other people, is reason