Tribute to the melody maker

At the annual piano competition, Con Brio, participating artistes fromu00a0around the world will recreate contemporary sonatas by composers of International and Indian origin

Musicologist Parvesh Java has spent a lifetime curating symphonies and melodies that go beyond the staff notations written by Beethoven and Mozart. "My favourite composers include legendary German composers Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt. Even Indian legend Vanraj Bhatia is a rare gem. The idea has always been to keep their music alive," says Parvesh who, for the past few years, has been directing the annual piano recital and competition called the Indian Con Brio, which literally translates to 'piano playing'. The festival is also dedicated to the late John Gomes, the man who started the legendary city music shop, Furtados.



"Gomes was the first person - to my knowledge - in India, who took music and music education very seriously.
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He ran the shop for 50 years before his family took over, and they have continued to bring the best instruments to the city," Parvesh asserts.

The week-long music festival will feature four pianists: Marialena Fernandes, Mark Troop, Paul Stewart and Ranki Markovic, along with soprano Patrician Rozario. The artistes will recreate compositions by the likes of Liszt, Brahms, Nikolai Medtner and Bhatia.

Aside from the several concerts, Mark and Patricia will recreate Vanraj Bhatia's well-known composition Six Seasons - A Song Cycle. "Vanraj is one of India's premier composers. He has provided fantastic background scores for movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Junoon and Mandi to name a few. It made sense to pay homage to him by playing his most famous composition in the city he was born in," explains Parvesh. National Award winner Bhatia, now 84, lives in London.

There will be a piano competition, and musicians will conduct master classes, workshops and a piano camp. "That is the real tribute to Gomes. He is the one who started spreading knowledge about western classical music and contributed to developing music skills in India," says Parvesh.

Canadian pianist Paul will also play some of his original compositions. Says Parvesh, "This year, we also celebrate the birth centenary of Liszt. Paul, a contemporary of the composer, will play some of his transcriptions as well."

Till July 18, 7pm onwards
At NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point
Call 6622 3724
Tickets Rs 500 and Rs 300 (for concerts);
Rs 30 (for competition rounds)