| Press
Release
Thiruvasakam
in Symphonic Fantasy - A unique musical adventure by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja.
 It
takes the musical genius of Maestro Ilaiyaraaja to concatenate the devotional
spiritualism contained in the classical Tamil poetry of Thiruvasakam with
the ethereal harmony of the most accomplished of Western classical music
composers. This challenging enterprise has never before been attempted
in the realms of Tamil music. The world's first premiere of a musical recording,
combining the cadenza of this inspirational Tamil spiritual literature
supported by delectable carnatic music and accompanied by the famed Hungarian
Symphony Orchestra, is getting ready for the enjoyment of aficionados and
music lovers in all parts of the world.
Tamil
Maiyam, a not for profit charitable organisation is collaborating with
Mr Ilaiyaraaja in promoting this ground breaking venture to further the
arts and culture of the Tamil people.Tamil Maiyam is also committed to
serious research on Tamil language and society. It is headquartered at
Chennai, India.
At present
Mr Ilaiyaraaja is working on a major aspect of this project to write the
score for selected songs from the Thiruvasakam in the Western symphonic
format. He is the only Asian so far to have been accorded the rare honour
of performing a symphony at the Royal Albert Hall, London with the London
Philharmonic Orchestra. There is no doubt that this Thiruvasakam
in Symphonic Fantasy will be the ultimate fulfillment of his dream to coalesce
the best of Tamil and Western classical music to the discernment of the
modern international stage. Having composed more than 5000 songs, scored
music for 825 movies and conducted countless number of concerts this project
according to him has been 'his prayer' for a long time.
This
is perhaps the first ever attempt to write Indian music using Western symphonic
language without compromising the much celebrated beauty and aesthetics
of the former. It cannot be just fusion, for that will be crude. It will
be an audacious synthesis that draws on the best of both systems; thus
producing a celebration of creativity. Why does Mr. Ilaiyaraaja want to
attempt something as complex as this undertaking? It is like asking why
men want to climb Mount Everest or walk to the North Pole. It is a challenge
for heroes and great human beings to do the extra-ordinary and Ilaiyaraaja
wants to leave his musical landmark for generations of Tamils to come.
It is indeed refreshing, he says, that a Catholic Priest like Fr Jegath
Gaspar Raj is in the front line to internationally promote Thiruvasakam
in this seminal format.
The
Thiruvasakam has been chosen for this eclectic project because of its spiritual
depth and poetic beauty. No one can fail to be stirred by its profound
emotions while reading the verses. They have touched for generations the
hearts and minds of the vast majority of Tamil speaking people. Has the
longing of the human soul for purity, peace and divine fellowship ever
found worthier expression?
A number
of leading directors of music and international musicians have paid their
tributes to Mr Ilaiyaraaja and sent their best wishes for the success of
this project. His Excellency, The Prime Minister of India has described
it as noteworthy and sent his best wishes.
The
music album is due to be released on October 18, 2003 at a formal function
in Chennai. For more details please visit : ww.thiruvasakaminsymphony.com
or
Contact
Rev. Jegath Gaspar at 00-91-44-31041071
or
00 91 9840378334 or 00 91 44 55873355.
Email
: thiruvasakam@hotmail.com
May
05, 2003
Press
Release by: Tamil Maiyam, 12/45-1A Mount-Poonamallee High Road,
St.Thomas Mount, Chennai 600 016. .
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