The Shakti Foundation’s annual fund-raiser, ‘Gurudipa,’ was held recently at the Music Academy in aid of medicare for the rural underprivileged. Pianist Stephen Devassy and multiple Grammy Award winner and percussionist Rodney Holmes were the stars in the orchestra. The concert, A Symphonic Symbiosis - Project 70,’ is the brainchild of Devassy.
The Indian Symphonic orchestra was led by Francis Xavier. The artistes included violinist Mika from Japan and cellist Gregoavia Maria from Russia. The Indian elements were represented by ace flautist Naveen Kumar, sarangi expert Dilshad Khan and eminent sitarist, Chirag Katti.
Gurudipa is held in memory of Velan Raghuvir and tribute was paid in the form of ‘Mum’s Lullaby,’ which was moving. The pacy ‘Fifth Element’ was an ode to the powers of Nature. A homage to mandolin legend U. Shrinivas found Chirag Katti exploring ‘Hidden Trails.’ The highlight was that Devassy, conducted the huge musical script, showcasing the brilliance of each artiste in a beautiful manner.