Siblings and sarod exponents Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan tell Surekha S about performing at new stages and their duet gigs
It is rare for Indian music to be performed on such a stage? How did this happen?
This is the first time for us here. Until now, have played at concert halls or open-air venues in very historic settings like the Bandra Fort or Gateway of India. This venue has had a reputation for booking interesting acts since its inception. We expect an audience that loves music without any intimidation of the genre. In any case, Mumbai is a hub for one of India best concert audience; we are looking forward to it.
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What have you planned here?
We will present a blend of traditional and contemporary music. Gino Banks, Vijay Ghate and many guest artists will jam.
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan
You have worked on different collaborations, and have been known to use the sarod as a crossover instrument. How did that work out?
We were clear to be known first as classical musicians as this is who we are. Having said that, we have done interesting cross over projects, which include collaborations with Guitarist Derek Trucks, Percussionist Lady Evelyn Glennie, the National Youth Orchestra of UK, Grammy Award-nominated Oud player Rahim Alhaj and many others. We have experimented with Western Classical instrumentalists, orchestras and also many percussionists.
Both of you have performed together often. Was this a conscious decision?
We never planned it but at some level destiny planned it for us. However, we have a very active solo career as well. We are friends and then brothers, so it’s a piece of cake to play together. Till date, we have never rehearsed or practiced together. It’s about vibrations and intuition. Your nature reflects on your music. When we play together, we try and decorate a beautiful bouquet.
You have always reinvented your music. How has the journey been so far?
The journey of your lives extends to your music. Our experiences, ups and downs, highs and lows, define us, musically. It’s been a timeless journey till we breathe our last.
On: July 31
At: BlueFrog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel.
Entry: Rs 500;
Call: 61586158
surekha.s@mid-day.comu00a0
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