Austrian musical fiesta enchants M'luru minds

Proving that music is universal and captivating the hearts of City’s diaspora was Austrain music band comprising Marialena Fernandez and four member troupe ‘Hotel Palindrone’, at Hotel Ocean Pearl. It was at a workshop to the children of Roman Catherine School for the Blind.

The event was hosted by Mangalore Coastal Round Table 190. The children had a unique experience of listening to the rare instruments. They had an interactive session with the artistes and recognised the instruments on listening to their distinctive sounds and also felt the texture of these instruments.

As part of its chain concerts in India, the troupe will be performing at Kalaangan, Shakthinagar in Mangaluru 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. The band will travel to Calangute (Goa) and later, to Bengaluru. The troupe performed in Mumbai on Thursday.

‘Hotel Palindrone’, music band from Vienna, Austria, comprises of four members John Morrissey, Stephan Steiner, Peter Natterer and Albin Paulus. Artiste John said the music troupe was founded in 1995. At the concert in Kalangann, the ensemble comprises as many as 20 instruments including Violin, base guitar, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, bagpipe, tooth harp. Also, the special singing technique yodeling, will be a part of the music band.

Marialens said special attraction will be fusion of Konkani music Mando and Dekhi with Europian folk songs, which will be a first of its kind in Konkani music.  On February 16, the team will conduct a music workshop for students at Infant Jesus Joyland School, Bolar.

On February 17, the troupe will leave for Goa. Marialena is a world renowned pianist and has performed in many countries. She has Mangaluru origin as her father is from Mangaluru.  Marialena was born and brought up in Mumbai and was initiated to music at a tender age. She later went on to attain a PhD in Music from Austria.

She has played with many prestigious troupes like that of Vienna philharmonic orchestra and has conducted many music workshops in India and abroad. In India she has partnered with Zubibn Mehta’s music foundation to train young musicians in Mumbai. Mandd Sobhan Gurkar Eroic Ozario and others were present.