Charity gets a Viennair

There’s no better way to build a profound connect with the audience than a soulful musical gig. And, when it’s a convergence of renowned music enthusiasts contributing to a bigger cause, there’s little wonder — of the stir it creates.

Putting up a show along similar lines, seasoned pianist Marialena Fernandes and Trio Viennair performed in the city on February 9 in an event by the Bangalore School of Music at the Gurunanak Bhawan only to witness a massive turnout. And are set to perform again soon.

The charitable fundraiser, titled, Viennese Fantasy and Serendipity, was in aid of the development of rural girl children and women. In a free-wheeling chat,  the team tells us more, just as they plan on frequenting the city often to raise funds for other social causes post the stupendous success of their recent gig...

“I believe Bengaluru’s young crowd emanates high energy. In the field of arts and culture, we’re all constantly learning and evolving. Speaking from my past experiences in the city, I can vouch by how there’s a blatant streak of positivity and a great deal of receptiveness which rubs off on the musicians too!” shares the India-born Austrian pianist Marialena Fernandes.

With a repertoire spanning over 20 years of expertise in classical, improvised, unconventional and contemporary music; While this was her first stint with the woodwind Trio Viennair, Marialena believes her hopeful disposition paid off, which she calls an ‘active dialogue of sorts’.

“As musicians, we bring diverse styles and personal musical interests into the table.While I certainly wouldn’t want to divulge on the details, I’d sum up the entire experience as a spontaneous music making session with a great deal of impromptu acts thrown in for an intelligent and receptive audience.” 

With this gig also marking Trio Viennair’s first stint in Bengaluru, comprising  young musicians (Julia Zulus on the Oboe, Frederick Alvarado on the Clarinet and Maria Jauk on the Flute) seem stoked about the experience.

Opining how the city has welcomed the woodwine ensemble with open hands, Maria enthuses, “While I’ve heard great things about Indian musicians, it was indeed overwhelming to see much responsiveness from the crowd. Clearly, the people here are voracious music lovers with a liking towards classical music.

Each instrument was presented in a classical form, with music improvised and adapted to be in sync with the vibe of the people. Also, I must add that Bengalureans are very welcoming of international artistes as we received a warm welcome and our stay here has been nothing short of fantastic. All thanks the people.”

Clearly, the trio and Marialena have their fingers crossed for the time ahead. “We’d love to play as long as we get a heads up from the crowd and this city just has leveled up our aspirations about playing in an Indian metropolitan city. More than anything, this gig has encouraged us to consider fund-rasing for social causes more frequently,” concludes Marialena.