In the past, during college, and my corporate work, I would attend varied kinds of Concerts and Musicals - Indian Classical (as I was part of the Indian Music Group in College), Jazz, New Age Music, Gospel, Rock, Pop, etc.
I had gone for a documentary lecture on Mozart, that got me hooked onto his music. I used to stop by the then famous Music Store in South Mumbai - The Rhythm House - on my way home from work, and buy Jazz, Broadway and Mozart CDs. But, I had not yet attended any Western Classical Music Concert. Probably, because no one known to me back then, was into Classical Music.
It was when I resumed my Music studies briefly in 2011 and later, again, in 2015, that I got exposed to more Classical Music, and started to enjoy this genre more than others.
If I remember correctly, the first Classical Concert that I attended was in 2017 - The Bach Magnificat. It fueled me towards music research into Classical Music, and I have been a Bach and Classical admirer since then! 💓 I started to attend Classical Concerts as often as work and personal life permitted.
However, it was, and still continues to be, a struggle to find relevant company for Classical Concerts. So, I created a WA Group - Music Enthusiasts, to share info and experience, of such and other Music Concerts in the city. It mostly included few friends and acquaintances, who I felt would be interested in attending Concerts. We did go for some Concerts together, as per the interest and availability of all involved.
Several elements about a Classical Concert appeal to me, to my musical and emotional sensibilities!
Firstly, the music itself, that evokes a multitude of emotions, that informs of its rich history, that has the ability to transport me to another era altogether - a parallel dimension of sorts, the awe that it inspires towards the musical genius of those that composed it, as well as those that are executing it. It is exciting, overwhelming, humbling and transformational - all at the same time!
I love the silence, just before a piece begins, that makes the sound that follows it, even more potent!
I love Musical Instruments - the sight, the sound, the resonance! I love observing the formations (sections) that the musicians are seated in; many a times these seem to change as per the Conductor's preference, or probably a demand by the chosen repertoire itself, or perhaps, the size ratio of the orchestra to the space that hosts it.
I enjoy observing the group dynamics that play out, between the Conductor and the Musicians, the back-and-forth non verbal communication through their instruments, and the whole body experience of playing an instrument, and executing a challenging piece, with technique, fineness, authority, flair and of course, enthusiasm, joy and bliss!
Being a live witness to an orchestra playing well - for me, this is heightened exponential sensory experience of a lifetime! From the time, the instruments tune (awww this is crazy goosebump effect), to the last sound that is heard, I find myself deeply affected for the 2 hours that I am at such a Concert.
I enjoy the elegance and ambience at such a concert. Salon Concerts, with an absence of a stage, feel even more exciting - the Instruments and Musicians feel so up-close and accessible.
I love the quirky parts at such concerts, as well - people in the audience - coughing, sneezing, speedily ripping a wrapper of perhaps a mint, and believing they are doing it discreetly, attempting to take pictures of the orchestra, and the hall attendants flashing a warning light at them, falling asleep and the occasional snores, being told not to shift in their seats by fellow audience members, clapping between movements even after being advised not to, etc.
I also enjoying watching the dynamics among the audience members, before the concert, during the interval, and after. There is such a lot to learn from these observations.
SoulNotes to Self: Happiness is...attending a Concert (Classical)!!!😊...my dedication to Conductor Mrs. Coomi Wadia 💓
For me, a Classical Concert is satisfaction guaranteed!
Of course, I still listen to and enjoy varied music genres, but, my concert-going habits seem to be biased towards Classical Concerts.
As I write this post today, Sam and I are headed home, after a Classical Concert at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), by the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), under the baton of Marat Bisengaliev, featuring the genius of Bach, Morricone, Vivaldi, Eccles, Haydn, Rossini, and Mozart, with an encore from Britten!
This was my 2nd Classical Concert and Sam's 1st, for 2021!
Just before we could enter the hall, we met a renowned, beloved Conductor, whom I have come to deeply love and respect - Mrs. Coomi Wadia, conductor of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus. She has conducted the Chorus for over 53 years, through several tours across the globe, with over 200 concerts across 18 countries.
In 2019, the Paranjoti had been rehearsing for a Bach Concert (the Mass in Bm) that was scheduled for Apr. 3, 2020. I had heard about this and was keen on auditioning for it. However, I could not do so, due to sudden personal challenges during that time. The intention was still lingering in my mind.
Then, in Nov. 2019, I was at a concert at the NCPA, and I kept seeing Mrs. Wadia everywhere that evening. It felt like a sign! On my way back, from the concert, I decided to act on my intention. I got details, and went to meet Mrs. Wadia at her next rehearsal. The Choir had already been rehearsing for this Concert for many months, and I was quite late in joining. I requested Mrs. Wadia, to let me attend rehearsals, even if I would not be part of the concert, as my intention was to study more about Bach. She said ok, and I was over the moon.
I memorised the music, like my life depended on it, cause it is Bach and I so wanted to be part of that concert. Unfortunately, the concert like everything else in the world got cancelled due to Covid. I was upset!!!
However, I also felt grateful. I learned such a lot about Bach, his Mass, several elements of music that jump out in his music, through Mrs. Wadia, her son Sorab Wadia, and my fellow Chorus Members, in the four months that I attended rehearsals. It was an amazing experience. By allowing me to attend rehearsals, she contributed to my growth and knowledge in music, and for this I shall always be grateful to her.
Today, when Sam and I met her before the concert, it felt so good to see her. It brought back these memories. I am happy that Sam got to meet Mrs. Wadia.
Sam: Who is she?
Larissa: She's a brilliant conductor.
Sam: What's her name?
Larissa: Mrs. Coomi Wadia
He shook her hand and said, 'I am Samuel Dsouza.' 😊💓
I dedicate this post to Mrs. Coomi Wadia, and her amazing contribution to Western Classical Music, in India and abroad, and to my musical life 💓. She is an inspiration for women conductors 💓.
Here's to more beautiful music, to enrich and uplift our soul, through the years!
Love & Music, from our soul to yours!
Soulful (Classical) & Notepher (My cute Jazzy Soulmate)
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