Zubin Mehta’s ‘Ehsaas- e-Kashmir’ concert might be played by the Bavarian State Orchestra, but it would open with the Valley’s own sounds.
Tumbaknari, sarangi, matka and rabab, played by a very Kashmiri group, would lead the violins and cellos. The fusion might not put an end to the debate over concert, but it would certainly celebrate the Valley’s great musical tradition.
The composer of the sufi-folk tune, 34-year-old Abhay Rustum Sopori, son of legendary santoor maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori, is delighted.
“It is a great moment and a great opportunity to showcase the dynamism of Kashmiri music before the world. My group and I feel honoured to share the stage with great maestro Zubin Mehta,” said Sopori.
The group of 20 artistes artistes have been rehearsing Soz-o-Saaz — the traditional Kashmiri ensemble — for a week and a recording has been sent to the German orchestra so they could also be ready.
The two groups will finally rehearse together on September 6, on the eve of going live before the audience of over 100 countries.