‘Soul Strings’ – East meets West as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Britten Sinfonia create mystic melodies

August 20, 2014
794 Comments
The living legend Ustad
Amjad Ali Khan along with Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan and
the acclaimed Britten Sinfonia, United Kingdom’s pioneering
orchestra, who came together for a conference to announce ‘Soul
Strings’.

 Soul Strings, the
musical dialogue between the Sarod maestro and the world renowned orchestra on
their first visit to India, mesmerized guests with their unique compositions
representing Indian and Western repertoire at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, New
Delhi.
The artists presented three
pieces for Soul Strings. The first was called Machair to Myrhh performed
by Britten Sinfonia. Following this, they presented a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
on the eve of Indian Independence. They concluded with Samaagam, Ustadji’s
concerto for Sarod. Renowned guests and dignitaries such as Paresh
Maity, Nishat Khan, Vikram Baidyanath, Mrs. Subhalakshmi Khan, Neema Khan amongst
many others graced the occasion with their presence.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi,
with its landmark location in the heart of Lutyen’s Delhi is the quintessential
address for business leaders, visiting dignitaries, world renowned artists
& celebrities. For decades, it has been New Delhi’s bedrock of fine living
and hospitality with a refinement now legendary. Taj Mahal New Delhi has been a
purveyor of art, culture and heritage creating unique experiences for its
patrons.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.
Satyajeet Krishan, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi said, “We
are honored to host the legendary music maestro Ustad Ji, Amaan & Ayaan and
the entire team of Britten Sinfonia at The Taj Mahal Hotel. Standing true to
our belief of creating unique and meaningful experiences for our patrons, ‘Soul
Strings’ is an endeavor to create an evening of a lifetime!”
Speaking on his association with
the Taj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said “My association with Taj
Mahal New Delhi & the Taj Group goes back to two decades! So many memories,
so much warmth and overwhelming hospitality. Today the Taj Group has become a
symbol of excellence and grace all over world. Their commitment to detail and
their elegance in whatever they do makes them the iconic brand that they are. I
have had such fond memories of my interactions with the legendary Mr. J R D
Tata. He introduced India to the world of fine hospitality and made the
Taj Group a way of life for India. The ambiance of Taj always compels me to get
my best or rather extracts the best out of me. Britten Sinfonia, one of the
world’s most celebrated and pioneering ensembles is acclaimed for its virtuoso
musicianship, an inspired approach to concert programming which makes bold,
intelligent connections across 400 years of repertoire, and a versatility that
is second to none.”
Founded in 1992, Britten Sinfonia
is one of the world’s most celebrated and pioneering ensembles. The orchestra
is acclaimed for its virtuoso musicianship, an inspired approach to concert
programming which makes bold, intelligent connections across 400 years of
repertoire, and a versatility that is second to none. Britten Sinfonia breaks
the mould by not having a principal conductor or director, instead choosing to
collaborate with a range of the finest international guest artists from across
the musical spectrum, resulting in performances of rare insight and
energy.  The orchestra is an Associate Ensemble at the Barbican, has
residencies in Norwich, Cambridge and Brighton, and a chamber series at Wigmore
Hall. Following an acclaimed performance at Wigmore Hall in 2012, they make
their way to India for the first time to create breathtaking symphonies with
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Tags: