CHENNAI: Melodious tunes of A R Rahman played to perfection by The German film Orchestra Babelsberg on Thursday, left not only audiences spell-bound and craving for more, but also helped strengthen an already strong bond of friendship between India and Germany. Held at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, the concert, Classic Incantations, was organised as part of the year-long celebrations held to mark the completion of 60 years of Indo-German diplomatic relations.Several eminent personalities from both the Tamil film industry and the German High Commission took time off their hectic schedules to be present at the concert hall, which was packed to capacity.Superstar Rajinikanth, the ‘Mozart of Madras’ A R Rahman, actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam, art director Thotta Tharrani and singers Srinivas and Unni Menon were among those who turned up to enjoy the orchestra. A loud cheer rent the auditorium, the moment the Superstar walked in. However, the actor had to leave in a hurry and could not be present for the entire event.What made the event even more special was the fact that the Orchestra performed along with students from Rahman’s KM Conservatory. Some of the pieces were so impressive, like the tribute to Indian music composers, that the audience, despite a request from the organisers of the concert not to cheer during the performance, could not contain their joy and excitement and ended up applauding several times. Every legend of Indian music from Ilaiyaraja to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy was cheered with much gusto as their pictures appeared in the background during the tribute piece.The admiration that the artistes of the two countries had for each other came across strongly as Matt Dunkley, the conductor, shook hands with flautist Navin Iyer after his first piece with the Orchestra. Navin played the evergreen Kadhal Rojave from Roja; his performance coming across as nothing less than sparkling. After a short break, he returned to play Bombay’s theme with the Orchestra Babelsburg, much to the delight of those who had gathered. Another solo performer who joined the team to deliver an impressive performance was Asad Ali Khan on the sitar. Also, singers Kavita Baliga and Arun H K endeared themselves with their mellifluous pieces.
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