The Craen legacy

For most of the 20th century Olga and Jules Craen were synonymous with musical excellence, their public and private lives vividly capturing the imagination and attention of western classical music lovers in Bombay. For several generations of her students, Olga was the piano teacher par excellence who nurtured the talent of young students over the entire course of their studies, leaving behind teachers and performers of repute both in India and abroad. Jules chose a parallel path in developing western classical music in the 1930s, seizing on the growing awareness of western music in India, forging ties with local talent and, in his capacity as a violin teacher and a conductor, becoming closely associated with the orchestral scene in Bombay. In doing so, both left a lasting legacy, the influence of which is felt even today.

An event, Olga and Jules Craen: a Celebration and Tribute, proposed to be held in 2013 in Bombay, aims to highlight that achievement and demonstrate how their legacy lives on. Their contribution has been recognized by acknowledging and acclaiming their distinguished students. But, with the passing of time, Olga and Jules themselves have been forgotten, having receded from public consciousness. This event aims to bring them back into public focus and create awareness in the present generation of young musicians and music lovers.

The event will recount the Craens’ lives, a fascinating storyline covering their personal challenges and rich professional rewards. Olga, the brilliant pianist who made her mark in Europe before committing a lifetime to cultivating and developing musical talent in Bombay, her meeting with Jules and how, together, this couple became the stuff of Bombay’s musical legend! The storyline will be interspersed with musical interludes by successive musicians and involve those most connected with the Craens in their lifetime: students, artists and cultural personalities, associated, even today, so many decades after their passing, with the rich musical scene of the city that both made their home.

Jules Craen (in black coat) with members of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. To his right in the photograph is Goody Seervai

The second and more lasting tribute will be the announcement of the winner of the Olga and Jules Craen Young Musician of the Year award. The selection process will be undertaken by the annual Con Brio festival organizers, Furtados Bombay, whose vast experience in all things musical in the city will be of invaluable support to the selection process and the project itself. The young recipient, chosen from an instrumental or vocal discipline and residing in India, will be nurtured over the period of one year in the form of a scholarship offering excellence in training with both teachers in India and visiting musicians, financial aid for instruments and books and assistance in attending master classes/workshops abroad. It is hoped that this award will be offered on a yearly basis to the best young talent in our country.

Any Indian student of Western classical music of any discipline, wishing to participate in the eliminations commencing June 2012, is requested to send in his/her details including name, age (must be not more than 25 years on June 1, 2012), address, e-mail address and telephone coordinates and a brief history of him/herself, his/her music education and intended career. If selected, a formal application form will be sent and a link established. The proposed Foundation reserves its right to accept applications from merit-worthy students.

Readers are invited to share their recollections and me­mo­ries of both Olga and Jules, should they have studied with or known them; lend published material such as photos, concert programs and press reviews, newspaper clippings/articles, eventual recordings of their playing/conducting and any other documents which could help towards a better understanding of their contribution; offer financial support, big or small, towards meeting the expenses connected to the event and the setting up of the award.

For more information please write to info@olgajulescraen.com or telephone Michelle Athaide at: +919820748403.

ZINNIA KHAJOTIA

zinniamk@gmail.com