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Oriental melodies steal the show

Cultural Mix
Last Updated 16 July 2013, 13:58 IST

Bangaloreans were treated to an evening of music by Japanese choir ‘Royal Echo’ at the Indian Institute of World Culture recently.

Fourteen Japanese nationals, who have been living in India, rendered several of their local songs on the occasion. Along with this, they also sang popular Hindi and Kannada songs.

The group, who get together and practise regularly, perform a couple of times in a year.

The evening began in a typically Indian manner with the singers being garlanded.

Explaining the nuances of the Japanese style of music, Kazumasa Kuboki, one of the performers, said that just like in Indian music, there are several ragas and a number of traditional scales in Japanese music.

They also roped in the audience and got them to sing along to Furusto, a Japanese song, as well as Santoshakke Haadu and Juttidare Kannada, both Kannada songs.

For Masanao Yamaoka, who works with a trading company, it was a ‘good
experience’.

“We perform once every three months and we practise every Friday or Sunday for about an hour. We really enjoyed sharing the Japanese culture and songs with the audience,” said Masanao.

Shino Kiharawho, who works in a bank, loved introducing their culture to the people here.
“The reaction from the audience was really good. It was a memorable experience.

Although I thought the programme was long, it was wonderful that the audience enjoyed it.”

Tatsuhei Minagawa, the conductor of the choir, added, “Although it was a long
performance, it was a good experience. We got a chance to showcase our culture and tradition.”

Taemi Goushi, a Japanese translator who works with a software company, said, “I am new to this group. It’s the first time I am performing in front of a large number of people. I found the audience dynamic and responsive. I hope this small event will be a bridge
between India and Japan.”

The packed hall included audience members from different walks of life. While some were there to listen to Japanese music, others attended to re-live their experience in the country.

 “I have lived in Tokyo and was keen to hear the music. I am also looking forward to singing one of the songs,” said KS Bhaskar, a retired employee of HMT. Vedavalli Rao, a member of the audience, attended the show because she was curious about the
music. “I am curious to know about the music which is why I am here,” she said.

ML Ramaprakash, committee member of Indian Institute of World Culture, said that people don’t know much about Japanese culture.

“We want to organise lectures on Japanese Buddhism and culture. We are talking with the Chamber of Commerce about it,” he said.  

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(Published 16 July 2013, 13:58 IST)

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