Classic notes from young musicians

A concert by children who are part of a musical training programme, will feature Western Classical pieces and an orchestral rendition of Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan

(Left) A rehearsal in progress; Marat Bisengaliev. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Playing Western Classical compositions on the piano is second nature to Samia Jetha. A student of music since a very young age, she has been taking rigorous lessons in the instrument at the NCPA Special Music Training Programme for four-and-a-half years. All of 14, she is ready to feature as one of the soloists tomorrow with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) at a concert by the students of the programme. "The training has helped me manage my time better and focus on one thing till I perfect it," says the class eight student.

In its fifth year, the training programme has 43 children learning from the musicians of the SOI. With two practical classes, a choir session and one class each in theory and history every week, the course has been designed on the lines of the Russian school of music. It aims to educate children with a flair for music in the language of the Western Classical tradition and enable them to join an international orchestra or become a soloist if they wish.

"This year, for the children's orchestra , we have widened the repertoire, and included more challenging compositions and some modern pieces," informs SOI music director Marat Bisengaliev, who will conduct the event. "To add an Indian flavour to the concert, the orchestra will also play the classic tune, Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, which we found suitable for an orchestra arrangement," he adds.

"With each passing year, we can see interest in Western Classical music growing notably in Mumbai. We are happy to notice new faces attend such concerts every time," smiles Bisengaliev.

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