MELANGE - Hyderabad

Though a music lover I always prefer a movie to a musical concert one major reason being Hyderabad rarely hosts musical concerts or shows but fortunately i bumped into one of those rare events which we hyderabadis witnessed on 25th Jan.

Melange a harmony that transcends all borders and genres with the sole purpose of creating melody and magic strung together in a beautiful rhythm. Its an evening that brought together world-class performers on the same platform to create an ensemble that truly represents the world music and also the extent of Indian music influence on world music.

The legends for the day include World-renowned sitar maestro Ustad Shujaat Khan, former Rolling Stone band member Tim Ries on the saxophone, Kevin Hays, who has numerous compositions to his credit, on the piano, one of the most popular bassist in India, Karl Peters, Karsh Kale the percussionist, who is also a DJ and Yogesh Samsi a student under Ustad Allah Rakha was on Tabla. Together they created magic which remain with me for rest of my life .

We witnessed a true amalgamation of contemporary and Indian classical styles, these maestros set the stage the on fire with their musical notes resonating through the HICC auditorium leaving the audience mesmerized. Adding to the unified symphony was the haunting yet enthralling Persian poetry recited by Katayoun Goudarzi blended with the fusion music.

That evening me and my friend Chetan has witnessed some of the world-class performers creating music that paved way to a new form of world music that has the romance of a saxophone, the richness of the piano, the vibrating rhythms of the drums and tabla, the tune of a bass and the splendor of a sitar.

We were left spellbound to realize that instruments from different genres and used by people who come from a different cultural background can create such a unique harmony, when used together.
I think it was one of those very special moments which will definitely reserve a special place in sweet memories of my life.
Sriharan