German Violinist Katja Braun (33) who is in India for the first time feels there is a lot to learn from Indian Music. For this reason, she came to India few days back with her daughter to explore the forms of music and learn some of them. India is more like a home for her. Talking to The Pioneer before performing at ‘Akhil Bharatiya Shashtriya Sangeet Samaroh-2015’ at Aryabhatta Auditorium with the Gharana Project on Saturday she shared her opinion about Indian music and culture. Excerpts:
Tell us about your maiden visit to India.
I am here to explore various types of Indian music. For me it is important to know Indian way of living and music. There are different languages and cultures. I have knowledge on western music and want to understand the Indian music. For this reason, I will be performing in concerts at Ranchi and Kolkata with Gharana Project formed by Tabla expert Swapan Bhattacharya.
Who is your inspirationIJ
Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeur Mozart and ludwig van Beethoven. Bach was a German musician. He is my main role model. Infact, my performance here is based on the composing of Bach.
Being a foreigner and a woman, are you comfortable in IndiaIJ
Yes, I am very much comfortable. The people I am living with are more like a family. Swapan Bhattacharya’s wife is a German so living with them is like my home. I am eating Indian food. It is good but spicy than our nation’s food. Even my teenaged daughter accompanying me on a special leave from her school is enjoying.
Which is your area of interest in musicIJ
My main instruments are violin and piano. My education was in classical but since the age of 15 years I can play folk jazz and electronic music. I am also a violin teacher.
How are you feeling hereIJ
Germany is covered with snow these days. As I have come here from Kolkata where the weather is hot and humid, Ranchi’s weather is cool and pleasing.