Young musicians

Accompanied by the chamber orchestra of the Symphony Orchestra of India, led by music director Marat Bisengaliev, 22 children from the Special Training Programme of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) played outstanding pieces on the violin, viola, piano, cello, double bass, flute and trumpet at Tata Theatre on June 16, 2016. These included Leah Divecha’s haunting violin solo Liebesleid by Fritz Kreisler, Aliza Jetha’s viola capturing Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 1, Samina Bandukwala’s rendering Mendelssohn’s Spring Song on the flute and Yohan Pastala-Gupte’s trumpet essaying Rondino on a theme by Beethoven. The charming trio of sisters, Aaliya, Nisha and Naima Ramakrishnan handled the violin, piano and cello with accomplished ease.

The NCPA’s Special Music Training Programme was launched in 2012 to offer an advanced level of instruction to budding talent. Based on the Russian Conservatoire method of learning, this style of holistic music education has not been introduced earlier in India. Its tutors are all professional musicians from Eastern Europe and the United States who ensure that promising children receive substantial one-on-one tuition on their primary chosen instrument, besides engaging in second-study piano lessons, group singing teaching through the Solfeggio technique, music theory classes and history of music lectures.
This is an annual show — from fragile waltz strains to foot-stomping tempos, the range on display is always staggering and inspiring. As Dr Cavas Bilimoria, the enthusiastic administrator of the Training Programme put it, "It is heartening to witness the dedication of these students. How hard and with what focus they practise what is taught is here for all to admire.” MEHER MARFATIA
mehermarfatia@gmail.com