So, I mentioned previously how I was going to be taking violin lessons from my host mom, Tai; however, what I failed to mention was that she’s one of the top classical violinist here in Pune. Because of that, she knows every renowned classical performer, and with that, comes a lot of free musical concerts and dance programs for the four of us living in the hostel. We also have a “buddy” that the Alliance program matched us with, who took us to a few performances. Overall, I’ve been here for about 2.5 weeks, and have already attended 6 programs.
(Moment of clarification: classical = Indian classical, not European classical)
The first program Tai took us to was a huge dance exhibition of several types of classical Indian dance. It was the first weekend we got to Pune, so it kind of felt like a welcome performance =) Very interesting to see the performers acting through their dance forms and to realize how dancing/acting transcends language barriers.
Second, the entire Alliance group had a private concert with some of the top dancers and musicians in Pune/India, dancing, singing and playing tabla, the waterbowls, and violin to show us the different options for our expressive culture classes. All of the performers were friends of Tai, which is probably how the Alliance program got them to teach us Americans
The next day we went to a concert of a singer (one of Tai’s close friends), tabla, and another instrument.He was fantastic as well, singing for two hours straight. Beautiful voice – very talented.
The following Sunday, our buddy (Palavi) took us to a dance recital her mom was in of Bollywood dancing throughout the decades as well. The dance program she’s in is called Dancersize and seems similar to the Jazzercise of the US. Most of the people in the program were middle-aged mothers or workers who just were looking for some relaxation and a good workout to relieve stress. Such a great show – so lively and the audience was hilarious – whistling and everything at their moms/wives. So cute =)
After her mom’s number, we left to attend a concert we didn’t even know we were going to. Turns out, her dad got us all VIP TICKETS to see a WORLD RENOWNED sarod player – Ustad Amjad Ali Kha. (check him ouuuttt!!) Yeah. That’s right. VIP passes! It was an outdoor concert – completely gorgeous night and a beautiful stage set up. Easily the best performer I have ever seen – such a great night with beautiful music! We got to sit on these couches in the front, very close to the stage, but far enough back where we didn’t have to strain our necks to see. So grateful to have seen him live – fabulous sarod player and very talented performer.
The last concert we went to was this past Tuesday, and was a compilation of a few different performers – a couple of tabla players and a few stringed instruments including a sarod player.
I’ve been noticing a few differences between concerts here and in the US. The main difference is that the audience here is much more interactive with the performers than audiences in the US for classical performances. For instance, as a musician is playing a portion of music here, the audience will clap, waving their hands up and down (informal conducting in a way), sigh, let out a little yelp at the climax, etc… Very interactive with the performer in a way I haven’t experienced before.
I’m really excited to be taking violin lessons from an AMAZING violin performer and teacher and look forward to the improvements in my playing.More to come as I start my lessons/see more performances!
PS – I FINALLY GOT MY OWN INTERNET! Hopefully I’ll be able to stay in touch more =) <3
Just think of what it means to you and me!
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