Memories of a musical expedition

Strumming along

It was a small gathering that came together recently at the Alliance Francaise to commemorate the completion of 25 years of The Bangalore School of Music.

The event began rather fittingly with the ‘BSM Guitar Quartet’ playing a few compositions to usher the guests in. The house was full of music and the ground set for the celebrations to begin.

The ‘Quartet’ displayed the skills they had picked over their time at the institute and enthralled the audience with sheer melody. The dignitaries took their position on the dais after the musical start. It was then time to introduce the guests to the school and its works in the past 25 years, which Chiranjiv Singh, Trustee and Chairman, The Bangalore School of Music seemed to have taken upon himself.

There was much reminiscence and Singh remembered the time when the institute was a small setup in Director Aruna Sunderlal’s Frazer Town residence.

A power-point presentation, with an expected musical score, further elucidated the achievements of the school in its 25 years and future projects.

Much emphasis was laid on the Indo-Swiss Educational Exchange Project the institute has planned.

Also present at the celebration was Chantal Ostorero, Director General of Higher Education and representing the International School of Music in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ostorero spoke passionately about the sharing of music between countries especially of the coming together of Western and Eastern classical music.

After an introduction of the cultural partners and the delegation from Switzerland and their address, the floor was thrown open to discussion. With barely any questions to answer, the programme proceeded to its next section where the year-long celebration calender was presented.

Besides marking the year in a special way and introducing newer musical collaborations, The Bangalore School of Music will pepper the year with concerts of various genres.

A poster and clippings exhibition, titled ‘Highlights of 25 Years’, was introduced at the event and is being displayed at the atrium of Alliance Francaise.

The exhibition chronicles the history of the school from its inception to now through concert posters and press clippings. Besides establishing the stronghold of the music school in the City, this display is certain to bring back memories for many Bangaloreans.