Last Tuesday, the Yr 11 IGCSE Music girls were given the chance to spend the morning at the Bharatiya Vidja Bhavan, an Institute of Indian Art and Culture. The visit was an exciting opportunity to learn about Indian musical instruments and dance from expert performers and teachers.
The girls met Mr Rajkumar Mishra who introduced the tabla, Mrs Chandrima Mishra who discussed Hindustani vocal and harmonium and Mr Sanjay Guha who played the sitar. The girls were treated to several performances by the experts that helped to consolidate their understanding of Indian Classical music, studied in Yr 10 and 11. Mr Tom Pope (an undergraduate at the Bhavan studying for a Bachelor of Music degree in Indian Music) joined the group of musicians and gave an insight into training opportunities in Indian Classical music, as well as performing on the mandolin.
A tour of the Bhavan centre was given by the Director, the girls had a chance to visit the teachers’ classrooms, to explore the main instruments and were treated to a dance demonstration. Indian snacks and sweets had been specially prepared for our visit and were enjoyed by all!
All the staff were welcoming and it was an extremely rewarding and inspirational visit; one which we very much hope to repeat in the future.