London Bridge

“The response both the concerts have got is extremely overwhelming. It has been wonderful to know about the deeply intricate Carnatic music. I am glad this tour worked out,” says Stroman,52.

The 90-minute concert will be now be showcased in Delhi by Renga Ensemble,which is a group of musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra that collaborates with musicians from outside the classical western tradition. Incidentally,a few hours after the Renga Ensemble enthral the Delhi audience,the London Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at a tribute concert to A.R. Rahman in London as part of the Alchemy Festival at the Southbank Centre.

“Renga’s basic purpose is to keep developing new repertoires and what better than incredible and intricate Indian classical music?” asks Stroman,adding “The best thing is that the Manis understand western classical music very well,so it was easier for us to work out this collaboration.” Stroman will also be conducting a music workshop in the morning for Delhi students at the British Council. “Kids cannot differentiate between a viola and a violin. It will be a great experience teaching them the basics,” he says.

Mani and Ramamani are also extremely excited. “This is known to be one of the finest musical ensembles in the world. I hope people like the Carnatic jazz pieces that we have planned apart from some improvised solo sessions by various artists,” says Mani

As for composing raga-based music for musicians who are not used to this system of melody and rhythm,Mani says,“All the notes have been written down,since western classical system does not follow our system of oral legacy. I play my role,and they play theirs,” he says.

The programme will open with a few pieces composed by Mani. But according to the ensemble musicians,the star of the show might just be Bangalore,a piece composed by American jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano as a tribute to Bangalore — the city where the Manis currently reside.

“Jazz and Indian classical music are similar in terms of improvisations and rhythmic patterns and that makes it easier for us to join forces,” says Ramamani. Stroman adds,“When we perform together,it doesn’t matter where we come from. We are extremely respectful of each other’s music. The boundary line is blurred and we speak one language — of harmony.”