An exploration of diverse notes

Bangaloreans, with a taste for all things instrumental and musical, headed to the auditorium of Bangalore School of Music, recently to watch four talented individuals come together as a string quartet in concert.

The group ‘Young Maestros’, with violinists and siblings Jasiel Peter and Joy Peter, violist Divya Raghunathan and cellist Anup Abraham, boasts of being the only string quartet in the country with the distinction of clearing the intermediate level of ABRSM examination for string quartet playing.

The event was held in two parts.

As Joy explained, “The first half is western classical music based while the second is more light and foot-tapping.”

Anup elaborated on the nature of the diverse music explored, “There is a lot of effort put into this concert.

The pieces we’ve chosen are the ones we’ve practised over several years and personally enjoy.”

The evening’s quartet began with an absorbing piece called ‘Quaretto Concertante’ by Carl Stamiz, which immediately entranced the audience.

This was followed by fabulous renditions of ‘Pasacaglia’ by Handel Halvorsen and ‘Quartet C KV 157’ by Mozart, where four sets of bows moved in perfect synchronicity, complimenting each other well through the rise and fall in the notes.
 
The second half had the audience grooving as the group, dressed more casually after a break, played popular pieces such as ‘The Entertainer’ by Scott Joplin and music from ‘Pirates Of The Carribean’ by Klaus Bad.

The members swayed with the music they produced, smiles upon their faces, even through the most difficult notes. The polite audience fondly applauded after every piece. 

During the course of the event, BSM Managing Trustee, Aruna Sunderlal, expressed her immense pride in the group and her gratitude to all those who were present to witness their talent.

Jasiel commented on why this event was special, “We have made short appearances at several concerts but this was the first time we had one hour exclusively to us.”

The group performed an extra piece for the audience as well. The event ended with the members being honoured and the birthday song being sung for Joy, who celebrated her birthday that day.

Anup delivered the vote of thanks where he acknowledged all the teachers, mentors, friends and parents, who helped the group chase their dreams.

The audience was pleased at the end of the event. “‘The Hungarian Dance No 5’ was my favourite piece because I’ve never heard it being played so well before, especially by a quartet,” commented Tanya M, a violinist in the BSM Senior Orchestra.

“My daughter is learning how to play the violin and after tonight, she’s considering the cello,” said Sandra, a businesswoman. Divya’s father beamed as he said, “She has been working very hard for this so it was great to see her on stage.”