The Spirit of South Asia
A special edition of Accord on the third anniversary of The South Asian Symphony Foundation
Celebrating three years of SASF!
July 2021 marks the third anniversary of the founding of The South Asian Symphony Foundation (SASF)! To mark this occasion, we bring to you this special, anniversary issue of Accord.
SASF’s inaugural concert took place on 26th April 2019 at the NCPA Tata Theatre in Mumbai. Chiragh: A Concert Beyond Borders brought 70 musicians together under the baton of conductor Viswa Subbaraman. Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest at the event.
Congratulations to Nirupama and Sudhakar Rao on the 3rd anniversary of The South Asian Symphony Orchestra! It’s difficult to describe what this orchestra means - not only as a musical institution but as a wonderful community and bridge builder. To see an orchestra full of people who look like me creating music together is a true inspiration. Thank you for all your effort and for reaching this wonderful milestone!
- Viswa Subbaraman, Conductor, Chiragh
This article in the NCPA magazine, Serenade captured the story of SASF’s journey to the inaugural concert: Serenade - The Eternal Bridge
In an interview with HrishiKay, Ambassador Rao spoke of SASF’s mission to promote cultural understanding among the South Asian youth.
To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, SASF organised the second concert Peace Notes. From Gandhi to Beethoven: The Call to Freedom. It was held at the J. N. Tata Auditorium of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on 5th October 2019. Conductor Alvin Arumugam led the orchestra’s performance of Anand Nazareth’s Ideas of Freedom, specially commissioned by SASF for this concert.
The South Asia Symphony Foundation will be marking its 3rd anniversary on the 9th of July. It is truly remarkable how much has been achieved in this short time. The Foundation has brought together South Asian musicians from all over the world, connecting us through music and perhaps most importantly exploring our common humanity despite cultural and national boundaries. Personally its a huge honor to serve as the music director of the South Asian Symphony Orchestra. The memories of the peace notes concert are forever etched into my heart. My congratulations to Mdm Nirupama and Mr Sudhakar Rao for pulling off this miracle! Till we meet again.
- Alvin Arumugam, Conductor, Peace Notes
SASF is so proud to have been featured in the World Bank “Good Neighbour Series”: Harmonising Relations: Platforms for Music in South Asia
We extend our warmest wishes and gratitude to every single person who has been a part of this incredible journey. We look forward to creating more beautiful memories together!
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SASF third anniversary concert to be aired on YouTube
On this wonderful occasion, let us celebrate the Spirit of South Asia as one. SASF will special premier a special digital concert on the SASF YouTube channel. SASO’s musicians will present a wide variety of music - from a Sinhalese Baila song and a Brahms piano classic to a dedication to Vanraj Bhatia and an original piece for flute and electronics. This is their gitanjali - musical offering - offered with love and friendship. Though we are not able to gather in person, let us commune digitally to keep the mission of SASF burning bright.
The Spirit of South Asia
A celebration on the third anniversary of The South Asian Symphony Foundation
Tuesday, 20th July 2021
8 PM IST
Click on the link to go to the SASF YouTube channel: The South Asian Symphony Foundation
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A new Facebook page for SASF
Head over to SASF’s new Facebook page to view pictures, videos and messages in celebration of the Foundation’s third anniversary. Do remember to “LIKE” the page to receive regular updates from us.
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Written by Aditi Bharatee