Music is meant to inspire people into thinking things and going places where they have never been before. It’s a journey of the senses and one that leaves you wanting more. For this reason, The German National Youth Orchestra, with 78 musicians is coming to Goa to inspire her young musicians to work harder at music.
In association with the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, the Opus Gala will be presenting The German National Youth Orchestra at 2 concerts in the state, in Panjim and Margao respectively. The orchestra will be conducted by Herman Baumer and comprises of teenagers who stand on an even footing with professional musicians in the world of Western Classical music.
The German National Youth Orchestra and its origins
It is Germany’s youngest major orchestra. It was founded by the German Music Council in 1969. With 78 of the country’s finest young musicians, the age group is between 14 – 19 years.
These youngsters qualify by auditioning in front of a jury of professionals. The orchestra has been led by some of the greatest and world-renowned conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Herbert von Karajan, Kurt Masur, Gustavo Dudamel and Kirill Petrenko. Soloists that have performed have included Tabea Zimmermann, Christian Tetzlaff and Fazil Say. Rock musicians like Sting and Peter Maffay have also performed with them. Since 2013, the legendary Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has officially mentored The German National Youth Orchestra.
Performances all over the world
They have performed all over the world, often as a cultural ambassador for the Federal Republic of Germany. They have done tours in 32 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America.
After 2 performances in Mumbai, the group is now in Goa. Opus Gala headed by Schubert Cotta has been interacting with them and coordinating the concerts.
“I was approached by The German National Youth Orchestra and I put the proposal to the Art and Culture Department, which they accepted. The orchestra comprises of youth that can motivate our children; they are absolutely in the first league of musicians. They are coming on a goodwill mission; I’m grateful to the Art and Culture Department, without whom it would not be financially possible to bring such a big group of musicians on our own. We will be looking after their hospitality and stay. It is an absolute privilege to see them perform. They will be coming with big containers with their musical instruments” said Schubert. He has worked with German musicians before and has even organised the concert by ‘Bujazzo’, a German Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Inspiring Goan children
“There has been an increase in children appreciating music since 2000. Though this concert, they will be able to see and learn about the various instruments used by the musicians. There are big horns which even girls can play; there’s the double bass that was once found in every village in Goa but now we no longer have them and so no one plays it”, explained Schubert.
The CM of Goa, Manohar Parrikar will inaugurate the orchestra along with Govind Gaude, Minister for Art & Culture and other important figures in Panjim. Vijai Sardesai, Minister for Town and Country Planning will do the same for the concert in Margao.
For those of you that would love to listen to them, you can catch either of the concerts at the below venues.
23rd January 2018 – Dinanath Mangueshkar Hall, Kala Academy Panjim at 7 pm.
24th January 2018 – Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao at 7 pm.
Information credit – Herald Café
ItsGoa/JAN/KDGP
