The Baroque era of Western music was a long time ago – perhaps from 1600 to 1750. But here’s a chance to relive some of its most embellished melodies again and in the city at that! The Bangalore School of Music celebrates turning 30 with Viva Vivaldi, a Western classical music concert that will bring together an experienced orchestra, soloists and some of the best choir singers in the country on February 19 at Guru Nanak Bhavan.
Considered one of the greatest baroque composers of all time, it’s only fateful that the show must be named after Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. “Sparkling melodies and dramatic arias full of emotion will characterise this concert,” says Jonas Olsson, letting us in on what to expect. The concert consists of three parts, presenting instrumental baroque music by G F Händel, arias for strings and mezzo-soprano and the finale which is the exultant Gloria, by Antonio Vivaldi, for choir, orchestra and soloists.
A collaboration between The Swedish Arts Grants Council, Gothenburg Salon Orchestra, The Moving Big Band and The Bangalore School of Music, this melodious soiree will see one of the oldest active orchestras of Gothenburg in Sweden, Gothenburg Salon Orchestra perform live. Its 20 musicians on strings, brass, piano and percussion conducted by Lennart Olsson will take you through music from the end of the 1800s, the classical period and film music to musicals. Ladies from one of Bengaluru’s oldest choirs, The Cecilian Choir and The Bangalore Men, one of the premier all-male choirs in the country will also make their presence felt. “The audience can expect an evening of Western classical music, performed at highest level, but not being lofty or pompous – the music is approachable and holds well for ‘easy listening’,” explains Jonas, about the evening that will also see solos by sopranos Payal John and Tanisha Herbert. A splendid performance by Maria Forsström, a celebrated Swedish international operatic soprano is also on the cards and for her, the style’s elegance, rich expressions and room for artistic excellence is her biggest draw to baroque music. Having performed in the city before, she’s only happy to be back. “Performing in Bengaluru is always a pleasure. The audiences are attentive, well-read and have high demands on quality,” she notes.
If you are a new to exploring Western classical music, don’t fret. “We have chosen a programme that is appealing for both more seasoned connoisseurs and beginners that have just started to explore the genre. Our hope is that we will spark interest, and if someone, after the concert goes home and Googles for baroque music, or Western classical music for that matter, I think we have succeeded!” he says.
