6 original symphonic programs

Debashish Chaudhuri, symphonic conductor
www.debashishchaudhuri.com
“My greatest passion is to make music a medium of joy and elevation for both orchestra and the
audience.”
Debashish Chaudhuri´s musical experience and
expression is a unique blend – born in Calcutta, India
and living in Central Europe since 2000. He has a rich
European repertoire, 16 years of professional
experience with various orchestras and 19 years of
professional teaching experience.
His passion for the search of symphonic music that is
either inspired by India and Asia or written by Asian
composers has enabled him to premiere several
original works to critical acclaim. He firmly believes
that Western and Eastern musical cultures in their
purest and highest form though totally different in
their conception, can truly communicate. He also
enjoys finding and doing master works from the
symphonic repertoire that have been largely forgotten.
Videos:
Symphonic Music of the Middle and Far East
Clip from the Antonin Dvorak – An Indian Perspective
Excerpt from the A. Dvorak Music Festival
Kevin Lau - Joy (arr. for chamber orchestra)
Official facebook page
Official web page
In the following presentation you can choose from the 6 readymade programs. Will they be
inspiring and interesting for your audience? Debashish Chaudhuri can be invited as a guest
conductor to your orchestra or a teacher of master courses in either orchestral conducting or
interpretation.
6 Readymade programs
Antonin Dvorak – An Indian perspective! ............................................................................................... 2
Namaste India! ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Music of the Middle and Far East ............................................................................................................ 7
Concert for THREE pianos........................................................................................................................ 8
Asian inspirations for chamber orchestra ............................................................................................. 10
Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore ............................................................................................................ 11
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Please contact the artists´ representative with the proposal of date and place for the concert:
Lenka Dobias Cerna, M.A., musicmanagement@explzen.cz, +420 602 190 960
Antonin Dvorak – An Indian perspective!
A unique dialogue between Indian and Western Classical music
Concert for the philharmonic orchestra, sitar and tabla.
Inspired from Antonin Dvorak´s own theme, taking them to India and creating a unique platform of
musical expression in which both genres remain pure yet beautifully blended.
"Conductor Debashish Chaudhuri prepared a unique experience to our audience when he connected
one of the most important works of Antonin Dvorak, From the New World Symphony with the
masterpiece of Jonathan Mayer. Thanks to their cooperation, a unique dramaturgy was created,
connecting East and the West. Hiawatha´s song, inspired by the famous Dvorak´s Largo, surprised
and elevated the audience who especially appreciated the unbelievable beauty and resonance of
Indian traditional instruments with a philharmonic orchestra”.
Albina Houskova, director of the Antonin Dvorak Music Festival
“I enjoyed the concert very much and appreciate the accomplishment of the conductor, his tempos
and interpretation. The combination of the sitar, tabla and orchestra is unusual, interesting and
innovative.”
Antonin Dvorak III, grandson of Antonin Dvorak
“The concert was a superbly fantastic experience for me. I was touched by the brilliant interpretation
of Dvorak by the Indian conductor. Jonathan Mayer was very unique with his instrument.”
Pavlina Svobodova, audience
Program:
Antonin Dvorak: V Prirode, Overture, op. 91
Jonathan Mayer: Hiawatha’s Song
Jonathan Mayer: Sitar Concerto # 1 for Sitar,
Tabla & Orchestra
--------------------Antonin Dvorak: Symphony #9 – From the New
World
Sitar: Jonathan Mayer, UK
Tabla: Tomáš Reindl, Czech Republic
Conductor: Debashish Chaudhuri, India/Czech
Republic
Information for production of the concert
Orchestra – 2*2*2*2 4 2 3 1 tmp + 3 Strs
The honorarium for 3 artists and travel cost will be negotiated individually.
The program – 80 minutes music plus a break – can be operatively adjusted to your audience
and specific requirements of the organizer.
Other forms of cooperation (master classes, discussion with students, meetings with
sponsors and media etc) are also possible.
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Jonathan Mayer, sitar player, based in UK
I was introduced to the music of Dvorak at an early age. Both my parents were violinists in the
orchestras and Dvorak's music, being so popular, could be heard very often, however, it wasn't until
my studies at music college did I take further interest in him and in particular his phrasing. The music
of the Central/Eastern European countries generally have strong folk music traditions that have
influenced composers of that region. Bartok, Smetana, Kodaly, Janacek & Dvorak had melodic lines
which are not dissimilar from Indian music as there are strong connections with folk music through
Rajasthan, Persia and into Europe. The use of melodic 'steps' as oppose to arpeggiated phrased is
something me, as a sitarist, can relate to and appreciate.
India has its own very prominent and ancient musical tradition which, in the North of the country, is
a mixture of Dravidian and Persia elements and although Dvorak might not be extremely well known
to the Indian public his majestic melodies would be resonant in their hearts.
The famous theme from the 9th Symphony works well for the sitar, not only because the phrasing
suits the instrument but also because it incorporates two Ragas (Indian modes) - Bilawal & Yaman.
Even the orchestral accompaniment to the Cor Anglais solo sounds Indian! And so it seemed fitting to
join the dots together and bring two, not so different, cultures together. I have worked with
Debashish previously and being Indian himself he has a fantastic comprehension of both Indian and
western musical traditions, this enables him to deliver a performance true to both genres.
Debashish Chaudhuri, Indian conductor based in the Czech Republic
We have successfully cooperated with Jonathan in the past. I have a huge respect to his father who is
one of the few musicians with a deep understanding of the Western and Eastern musical styles.
Antonin Dvorak liked Longfellow´s poem of Hiawatha. He took his book with him to his trip to
America. He was planning to use this theme for a new opera, eventually the second movement of the
9th Symphony was inspired by it.
The modal character of the 9th Symphony was an ideal ground – Indian ragas are very modal. I am
much honored to have received this opportunity to conduct the closing concert of Antonin Dvorak
Music Festival in Pribram and am happy Jonathan Mayer accepted our offer to compose a new piece.
It was great seeing the audience enjoyed it tremendously.
More information about the artists:
Jonathan Mayer - http://jonathanmayer.co.uk/
Tomáš Reindl - www.tabla-tom.com/Home-EN.htm
Debashish Chaudhuri - www.debashishchaudhuri.com
Videos:
Clip from the concert
Excerpt from the 9th symphony.
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The premiere of the
concert took place in
June 4, 2015 at the
Antonin
Dvorak
Music Festival in
Pribram, the Czech
Republic
and
received
standing
ovations.
4
Namaste India!
A unique symphonic performance bringing together classical themes from Indian legends with western
compositions
“Namaste India concert is unique in many ways. Conducted by Debashish Chaudhuri it builds on
fusion bringing together classical themes from Indian legends with western compositions. The
concert includes a sitar concerto by Jonathan Mayer with tabla drums by Tomas Reindl which
achieves the seemingly impossible harmony of two very different styles of classical music. The last
composition of the Dravidian Suite by Indian composer Victor Paranjoti brings a fitting finale to the
evening. I certainly hope we have many more such occasions, which illustrate how the common
threads of Indo-European culture stretching from the Vltava and Elbe to the Ganga and Brahmaputra
can blend together music from East and West.
His Excellence, J. E. Venkatesan Ashok, Indian ambassador to the Czech Republic
“The concert was a fabulous experience. Eastern and Western music traditions have their own charm
and nuances but the fusion of both by Debashish is simply magic. You can only feel it.”
Kamal Parvez, cultural attaché, Indian embassy in the Czech Republic
It was an incredibly beautiful experience! Thank you! Nikola Vávrová, audience
Breathtaking, my admiration! Marketa Dvorak
Program:
Karl Goldmark: Sakuntala op. 13, overture
Jonathan Mayer: Dissecting „Desh Rag“
Jonathan Mayer: Sitar Concerto No. 1
------John Mayer: Shiva Nataraj (Sati, Kailasa, Mahesha – Trimuti, Kalpa, Tandava)
Viktor Paranjoti: Dravidian Suite (Greeting, Supplication, Folk Dance, Oorvalam, Dithyramb)
Soloist: Jonathan Mayer, sitar
Tomáš Reindl, tabla
Conductor: Debashish Chaudhuri
Information for production of the concert
 The premiére of the concert took place in November 28, 2013 in Pilsen, DVD available.
 It is possible to adjust the program on individual request.
 The honorarium for 3 artists and part of their travel cost will be negotiated individually.
The artists are prepared to promote the concert in the local media. Other forms of cooperation
(master classes, discussion with music students, meetings with sponsors etc) are also possible.
We have a good experience with including an Indian dance to commence the concert. Alternatively
there can also be a side program before the concert, e.g. exhibit of NGOs working in India, photo
exhibition, stalls with traditional Indian products, tasting of fair trade tea etc.
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Debashish Chaudhuri, Indian conductor based in the Czech Republic
What does the concert Namaste India mean to you?
For me it is a journey from Europe to Asia and back…. From the romantic concepts of India that
Goldmark had to the real sounds of India. From the depths and strength of belief in God and the
destructive power yet unexplained mysticism and complexity of Hinduism and religion in India to
the sublime Dravidian Suite and an esoteric feeling that ends with the Dithyramb, the Indianisation
of the Greek Hymn. So a look at Europe though Indian eyes as well to finish with!
How did you choose music for this concert?
It is very had to find music that can be authentic enough to represent our culture through the media
of a symphonic orchestra. It needs to be composed by people who have an innate understanding of
both totally different and totally unrelated and diametrically different systems of musical
expression….so, in one word, it was DIFFICULT. But, it was a challenge and it has been hobby of mine
for years. However, to give it shape and logic took a lot of time and thought.
What can the audience look forward to?
They can look forward to something totally different. Something they haven't heard, colours they
haven't experienced. Just an expression from the known to the unknown (maybe even unpleasant at
times perhaps!) and then a slow step back to feel India… cultural shock, one can say. I just hope it will
be a positive one! Most of the music is extremely different as is India itself.
Jonathan Mayer, sitar player, based in UK
What can the audience look forward to?
The music is symphonic with a strong Indian influence. My father was Indian and so his influence was
from his upbringing. My influence comes from my playing of the sitar. I think the audience should
enjoy the program for its new timbres and instrumentation.
More information about the artists:
Jonathan Mayer - http://jonathanmayer.co.uk/
Tomáš Reindl - www.tabla-tom.com/Home-EN.htm
Debashish Chaudhuri - www.debashishchaudhuri.com
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Music of the Middle and Far East
This concert was premiered on November 12, 2015 in Olomouc with the Moravian Philharmonic.
Program:
K. Goldmark: Sakuntala op. 13 – overture from Mahabharata epos
J. Mayer: Dissecting „Desh Rag“
J. Mayer: Sitar concerto no. 1
E. Elgar: March of the Mogul Emperors
K. Lau: Joy
C. Nielsen: Alladin Suite op. 34
Soloists: Jonathan Mayer (UK) sitar, Tomáš Reindl tabla
Video
Symphonic Music of the Middle and Far East
00:10 - Jonathan Mayer: Sitar concerto #1
01:58 - J. Mayer: Dissecting „Desh Rag“
02:14 - E. Elgar: March of the Mogul Emperors
04:06 - K. Goldmark: Sakuntala op. 13 – overture from the Mahabharata epos
04:42 - C. Nielsen: Alladin Suite op. 34
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Concert for THREE pianos
3 composers - 3 pianos - 3 soloists - 3 elements
A breathtaking performance by top pianists from the Czech Republic,
home of world famous Petrof pianos.
Have you heard of the famous Three Tenors Concert? Three soloists, a conductor and a symphony
orchestra......unique musical personalities, a unique combination, a unique connection. Romantic,
noble tones.... but now it’s not human voices but the incredible European pianos....three pianos...
at the same time! Not 10 fingers, but 30! Not one soloist but three! At the same time, on the same
stage with the same orchestra and conductor. A concert with three elements everywhere!
Experience the unique sound romantic noble sound of pianos from a 150 year old European
company, Petrof. Feel the beauty of the master compositions, so rarely heard worldwide. See the
precision, interpretation and unusual connection of three superb soloists and three great pianos at
once.....unique, rare and magnificent!
Program:
J. S. Bach: Concert for three pianos C major, BWV 1064
W. A. Mozart: Concert for three pianos F major, KV 242
A. Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 or No. 9
Solo piano: Igor Ardasev, Jana Chaudhuri and one local pianist
Conductor: Debashish Chaudhuri
Requirements for production of the concert
 Symphonic orchestra
 3 grand pianos (can be lent from our partner, PETROF, ltd)
 The program can be altered according to the specific needs of each local partner.
The artists are prepared to promote the concert in the local media. Other forms of cooperation
(master classes, discussions with students, meetings with sponsors) are also possible.
More information about the artists:
Debashish Chaudhuri - www.debashishchaudhuri.com
Igor Ardasev - www.ardasev.com/igor-ardasev/index-en.html
Jana Chaudhuri - www.janachaudhuri.com
Please contact the artists´ representative with the proposal of date and place of the concert.
Lenka Dobias Cerna, M.A., musicmanagement@explzen.cz, +420 602 190 960.
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The premiere of this performance took place on
December 12, 2013 in Zlin, Czech Republic with
Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra and was
broadcasted by the Czech radio.
From the left:
Igor Ardasev-piano, Lenka Cerna-manager, Josef NemyZlin Philharmonic director, Jana Chaudhuri-piano, Karel
Kosarek, Michal Masek, Debashish Chaudhuri –
conductor
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Asian inspirations for chamber orchestra
The premiere of this performance took place on May 15, 2013 in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
with South Czech Chamber Orchestra.
Information for production of the concert
Orchestra – 2222 2200 hp tmp+2 strs
All the note material arranged for the chamber orchestra is with maestro Chaudhuri
Program:
Kevin Lau: Artemis, Joy
W.A.Mozart: Va, l'error mio palesa (Mitridate, rè di Ponto)
M. Ravel: Scheherezade
Liu Tieshan, Mao Yuan: Dance of the Yao People
L.R.Kasilag: Lullaby
V. Paranjyoti: Excerpts from the Dravidian Suite (Supplication, Dance of the Maidens, Dithyramb)
Sergei Rachmaninov: Scherzo in D minor
Video examples:
Kevin Lau - Joy (arr. for chamber orchestra)
Victor Paranjoti - Dravidian Dithyramb
Liu Tieshan/Mao Yuan - Dance of the Yao People
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Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore
for chamber orchestra and a choir
This program was designed to give tribute to one of the most important philosophers and writers,
Rabindranath Tagore, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.
This concert was performed in the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague, on October 6, 2012 with Pardubice
Chamber orchestra and Prague singers’ choir.
All the note material arranged for the chamber orchestra is with us.
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Ave verum corpus, Miseri cordias Domini
John Alden Carpenter, Rabindranath Tagore: Gitanjali
Bernde Franke: PRAN, choir on R. Tagore´s verses
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symfonie no. 7
(Alternatively Dvořák: Symphony #9 From the New World)
Video:
Czech television, Terra Musica – starting from 16th minute:
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