While they are mostly stationed in India during the Winter and Europe in the Summer, this December, Samvad will be touring Sri Lanka. They’re performing at Santore, tonight, and Charcoal, this weekend.
If you’re intrigued by the wide expanse that is Indian classical music, be sure to make it to one of their shows, as their approach to the form is quite fascinating.
To put it simply, imagine hearing bhairav raag performed through saxophone, silver flute and tabla. While the saxophone might not be native to India, Samvad find a way to incorporate the instrument into a contemporary interpretation of Indian classical music.
Metal instruments are full of harmonics that lends a rich sound to the music. Their music has been well received in India as it keeps evolving within the tradition. “”They appreciate the devotion and dedication to the music. Our is a contemporary interpretation, not a fusion,”” Samvad say.
The Project
Literally meaning ‘dialogue’, Samvad is a term that relates to the musical notion of consonance, or, philosophically, resonance. Igino-Giovanni Brunori and Virginia Nicoli chose this name for their musical project for this reason. Igino played saxophone as a child, and would later apply Indian classical music onto the instrument, trying it out with different combinations of instruments. This jugalbandi, or conversation between two instruments, is what inspires their project.
Having met Ciro Montanari at the Conservatory of Indian Classical Music, they would soon form a trio. Ciro grew up playing the piano, the guitar and singing in a rock band. He’d later get into percussion, and that’s when he came to the tabla. “”I studied it as a language to express myself,”” he says.
Having studied Western Classical Music throughout their childhood, they grew tired of it and began looking for a more ‘complete path’. “”We were looking for music that would merge with spirituality, and Indian Classical music does just that with yoga, and its spontaneous nature is what grabbed us,”” they say.
You can listen to their music on their Soundcloud or visit their website.
Time & Place
December 16: 8PM, Santore Bistro Italiano, tickets Rs. 1000
December 19: 7PM, Charcoal Gallery Cafe, tickets Rs. 800
December 26: Hangtime Hostel, Weligama, free entrance
December 29: Sri Yoga Shala, Unawatuna
January 1: The Om Space, following yoga session
January 6: Prana Lounge
For more info and bookings: haniamariam@gmail.com / 0774001117
