Interview: DEVINA DUTT OF FIRST EDITION ARTS Talks About 'Come Together,' A New Musical Series

A Mumbai based performing arts company has come up with a unique idea for lovers of music who do not like to restrict themselves into genres. A new generation of music enthusiasts are looking at both classical as well contemporary forms of music with equal panache.

Come Together, a new musical series aims to offer a young and contemporary experience of Indian classical music presented as solos and duets in short sets in a nightclub environment. Teaming up with Cafe Zoe, the popular and stylish cafe, brasserie and bar in Lower Parel, the Come Together series (named after a popular Beatles track by John Lennon from the album Abbey Road features some of the finest contemporary Indian classical musicians on the Sarod, Sitar, Violin, Flute, and the Tabla.

Talking about this unique concept Devina Dutt, director, First Edition Arts says, "We believe Indian classical music is stunningly beautiful, creative and exciting. It has acquired an unfair reputation for being boring or intimidating especially in the minds of young people." Elaborating on the Come Together series and how the format will take shape, Ms Dutt says, "Through the Come Together series (with 4 concerts through the year) we are presenting an experience of Indian classical music which is contemporary, cool and speaks to new listeners and young urban listeners who have never had a chance to discover just what this music is."

Ms Dutt clarifies that the effort should not be mistaken as fusion. She adds, "We are not taking the fusion route. We believe that gimmick-free raga music, performed in an all-new setting and free of some of the rigid protocols of the typical classical music concert, will draw listeners to the music. Just five minutes of listening to this music is enough to hook you for life. The series will feature some wonderful young musicians who have a modern worldview and can communicate their art intelligently to new listeners without dumbing it down. We believe there is a great audience for this out there. And Cafe Zoe, our venue partners in the series, are a great space with some excellent F&B and energy. A perfect place to start off some great conversations around classical music."

About the first experience Ms Dutt says, "At the first concert in the Come Together series, the Musicians are: Abhishek Borkar (Sarod), Nandini Shankar (Violin), Ojas Adhiya (Tabla). A new trio of musicians will present classical instrumental concerts as solo and duet set every quarter. The musicians will interact freely with listeners, who will be encouraged to take a closer look at the gorgeous instruments, ask questions and have a bite with the musicians."

CONCERT DETAILS:

Day/Date: Sunday, 10th June

Time: 6:30 PM

Venue: Cafe Zoe,

Entry: Rs. 500/-

The concert will witness 3 very exciting young musicians -

Abhishek Borkar (sarod), Nandini Shankar (violin) and tabla wizard Ojas Adhiya.

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