German orchestra to perform on Rahman's tunes

Jan 19, 2012 IANS

Mumbai, Jan 20 (IANS) Over a 100 orchestra musicians performed live on A.R. Rahman's composition here Thursday as part of 'Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities'.

The concert to be held Friday is titled The Classic Incantations, where a well known German film orchestra Babelsberg will perform with Rahman on his film score.

As the orchestra doled out a two-and-a-half minute piece on Latika's Theme from "Slumdog Millionaire" that won Rahman two Academy Awards, the audience was held spellbound with the lilting tones from various instruments played live.

The Babelsberg orchestra will tour four other cities in India after the concert tour premiers in Mumbai Friday.

The tour coincides with the celebration of the centenary year of Studio Babelsberg, a film studio located in Germany, After the concert's premier in Mumbai Friday, it will then travel to Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore, creating a new high point for music lovers across the nation.

Also inducted in the concert tour were about 30 former and current students of the K. M. Music Conservatory (KMMC), Chennai. KMMC was started in 2008 by Rahman with an aim to provide advanced training in Music. The students will with the orchestra alongside Rahman, who will also perform in the concerts.

"It feels surreal now to see this actually happening. We have been planning for this event since last three years and I am glad it is finally happening," said Rahman after the preview.

"I am glad about two major things. One being the right interpretation of music by the Babelsberg and the second is the integration of the students' choir from KMMC. I am thrilled to see them sing with the orchestra," Rahman said.

He thanked the German orchestra and the initiative for the opportunity.

As many as 16 pieces from various movies whose music has been composed by Rahman will be played at the concert Friday including "Mangal Pandey", "Slumdog Millionaire", "Lagaan", "Bombay" and "Meenakshi".