JOIN USA mixed bag of incredible pieces
The AWSO was formed by the Indian Air Force in June 2002 at Air Force Station Jalahalli and includes hand- picked musicians from Air Force bands. Bangaloreans showed up at the venue in large numbers in spite of the evening showers and were seen thoroughly enjoying the tunes.
People stood at the venue with umbrellas and gave constant encouragement to the AWSO. The songs were an assortment of film hits, patriotic numbers and classical pieces. The orchestra also included instruments like ghatam, mridangam and the shehnai to support Indian classical pieces.
Vathapi Ganapathim in Hamsadhwani was a delight to listen to and many in the audience were seen following the piece with great enthusiasm. They surprised the audience by even playing some popular Kannada numbers. Ninnindhale and Karunada created quite an excitement among the audience, who were seen cheering the orchestra. One of the highlights was ‘Renaissance’, a patriotic number based on Vande Mataram. Adding a little spice to the evening was the instrumental piece Tere Mast Mast Do Nain from the movie Dabangg.
The main objective of AWSO was to interact with the masses and to create a feeling of patriotism among them. Music was used as a medium to connect with the masses and create harmony among the people, who were brought together through only one common interest — their love for music. People from all walks of life were seen enjoying the music, from civilians to defence personnel.
The rain gods added beauty to the whole event. Moses, a copywriter, who was present at the venue, said, “I am from the defence background and when I read about the event in the papers, I was more than eager to part of it. It is a wonderful initiative and helps in increasing the feeling of nationalism among people. I am really excited to be here.”
Kenneth Thomas, a student, was seen enjoying the concert equally and said that he was glad he made the trip. “The whole place looks so surreal due to the rains,” he added.