пятница, 30 октября 2015 г.

Let there Be Music

The Sathya Sai Universal Symphony Orchestra



India has recognized the salutary effect of music on the mind; its potency to restore calm and equanimity, to still the waves of agitation and worry. Music is the instrument by which passions are sublimated, emotions are tamed, impulses are directed to higher purposes. 
—Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. V, Chapter 46

Imagine going to work where all your coworkers are Baba devotees and Swami himself presides over the workplace! This was the experience that 41 professional musicians from 18 countries had when they collaborated on a program of Western classical music for Guru Poornima on July 28, 1999. Musicians from Europe, North America, and Asia came together as the Sathya Sai Universal Symphony Orchestra for a two-week musical intensive led by Italian conductor, Giuseppe Savazzi. The concert was an excellent example of unity in diversity in action.

Through the common language of music, all cultural and language differences were transcended as the musicians worked together to provide a high quality performance for the large assembly of people. [The hall holds thousands; the evening of the concert, it was packed.]

Rehearsals began in the North Indian Canteen, but Swami quickly invited us to rehearse in the Poornachandra Auditorium.

Construction on the mandir (temple), in preparation for Swami's 75th birthday celebration in the year 2000, provided an interesting background of clanking and the sound of jackhammers during our rehearsals. At our first rehearsal in the Poornachandra, Baba came out to speak with the musicians, asking where we were from and what instruments we played. During later rehearsals, he could be seen peeking through the curtains. It was quite a thrill to be playing in his divine presence. Swami's grace seemed never ending as he took care of our every need. He even arranged special mealtimes to accommodate our long morning rehearsals.

On the evening of the performance, the musicians gathered backstage beforehand and were greeted by Swami saying. Very happy, very happy. Our hearts were full as we were able to offer our devotion through our music to Swami that night. One musician commented, "I always dedicate every performance to Swami, but tonight I was able to do it in person."

The program began with an arrangement of the Sarva Dharma prayer, and Om Tat Sat. led by a solo flute that reminded all of the cowherd, Sai Krishna. The arrangements—Om Tat Sat, Ganesha Sharanam and Arathi—by Alberto Vindrola were accompanied by three tabla players from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Paul Erhard provided a commentary between musical selections that drew parallels between the music and familiar themes of Indian spirituality. Luciano Condino provided a lively rendition of the "Mercadante Flute Concerto"" and Bach's "Badinerie." Other selections included Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No.5." the third movement of "Brandenburg No.2."Srrauss "Polkas," Larsson's "Trombone Concerto," and "Pomp and Circumstance" by Elgar. After Arathi, Baba joined the musicians on stage for two encores. He distributed white shawls to all the musicians.

The Sathya Sai Universal Symphony Orchestra first performed in 1995 for the Sathya Sai Music Festival for Global Unity. The orchestra returned the following year to perform a concert for Guru Poornima. This year's performance was the third. It is hoped that this international celebration will attract more professional musicians from around the world.

With Swami's grace, the orchestra will continue to foster global harmonies for peace and happiness through music. Interested professional musicians should contact Giuseppe Savazzi, Torino, Italy. Mr. Savazzi's telephone and fax number is: 0039 011 812 59 71.

—Elli Erhard, Violinist
Prasanthi Nilayam

https://vimeo.com/133042556

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