Singapore music group Brahmastra has for the first time embarked on a South-east Asia tour to showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity.
The seven-member ensemble – consisting of Niranjan Pandian (venu and bansuri), Gildon Choo (pipa), Govin Tan (ethnic percussions including tabla), Tan Wen Bin (cello), Azrin Abdullah (oud), Caleb Koa (keyboard) and Dinesh Kumar (mridangam) – will be playing original Indian contemporary music fused with an exceptional array of sounds in Indonesia and Thailand from Aug 15 to 23.
“Our mission goes beyond music, we aspire to foster connections between communities throughout South-east Asia,” said Niranjan, a multi-award-winning composer and flautist. “This ambitious endeavour has been made possible through the invaluable support of the National Arts Council.”
The concerts titled Sounds of Diversity, which are being held at various venues in Indonesia and Thailand, are unique because they present a multi-ethnic set-up that intricately weaves together the foundations of Indian classical music with a tapestry of diverse musical genres and styles, including elements of jazz and blues.
The accomplished musicians will also display their remarkable skills and provide insights into the collaborative process – which was made possible by the skilful music direction of Niranjan.
“The concerts are a splendid leap forward for Brahmastra,” said Niranjan. “They not only celebrate musical diversity but also symbolises a significant stride towards artistic unity and innovation.”
The original compositions by Niranjan spotlight the diverse talents of the Brahmastra ensemble. Among the featured pieces are Desire, Invocation and a creatively re-imagined arrangement of Lalgudi Jayaraman’s noted composition Mohana Kalyani Thillana.
“This blend of musical influences goes beyond cultural boundaries, offering an immersive auditory experience that resonates with contemporary audiences,” said Niranjan. “Our aim is to create a dynamic harmony of diverse cultures, crafting a musical tapestry that speaks to the essence of the present moment.”
The Brahmastra group members will also engage in panel discussions where they will share their creative processes.
“Through these discussions, we aim to not only showcase our work but also foster a deeper understanding of the harmonious coexistence of diverse musical influences,” said Niranjan.
