The musical mixture of various countries was witnessed by the city music lovers here on Thursday in a musical concert at Antrang Auditorium, Bharat Bhavan.
A musical troupe from France Ensemble IF (Imaginary Folklores) presented a splendid performance before the Bhopalites. Organised by Alliance Francaise de Bhopal, the concert was all about coming together of an acoustic world of musical trio and visual artists.
The evening became more mesmerising as a noted sitar maestro Smita Nagdev accompanied the troupe and blended the Indian classical music with the folk music. While talking to The Pioneer, sitarist Smita Nagdev said, “I have given many international performances and I have even performed with French artists earlier. But, talking about this concert it was a new and different experience for me.”
Elaborating further she said, “Emphasizing on folk music, Indian classical has a lot of similarity with other folk music, so it was not a problem for me to understand the rhythm of theirs.” Smita played Raag Bairaagi and some tunes of Hindustani Classical Music in jugalbandi.
She further said, “I have practiced with the Ensemble IF for a single day and as we were practicing, I realize that we have built up a rhythmical understanding with each other. It was wonderful experience,” she added.
Further, Otso lahdeoja composer said, “This is first time we are performing with another artist during the concert. It was a spellbinding experience.”
The Ensemble IF played 11 compositions out of which Smita accompanied the French musicians in two compositions. The IF has combined the folk music of the countries like, India, Finland, France, Argentina and Canada. The group has composed and improvised the folk music of these countries and has presented across the world.
The jazz music lovers enjoyed the concert as a whole. As the Ensemble IF has different concept of playing the jazz music, they have a unique concept of presenting it.
There was a big cube box covered with black net and the artists including Smita were sitting inside. The concert became more enhancing when the visual art was displayed behind them. The lighting effects added more zeal in their performance.
Otso lahdeoja composes music whereas plays guitar. Florian Guibert played immensely enchanting tunes on flute, Mauro Sarachian played Violoncello and Alexandre Berthier added scenography in the performance.
The concert was like a musical treat for the audience as the evening was full of innovative music and enchantment.