Playing with Imagination

“We’ve studied in and played music from all these countries. Their styles inspire us and have become a part of us. Our music is our own folklore infused with music from other countries. It comes from our imagination,therefore,we have named ourselves IF,” says flautist Florian Guibert.

Playing together since 2010,the ensemble will bring their music to the city for the first time on Monday as part of a six-day tour of India and Nepal. The concert in Pune is being organised by Poona Music Society in association with Allaince Francaise.

Guibert says that the band was formed when he and guitarist Otso Lähdeoja came together in Brussels. “Soon,we felt the need to add another instrument and agreed on the cello. This led us to Mauro Sarachian who fit the bill perfectly. We also wanted to add a visual aspect to the music and broaden our fields of action so scenographer Alexandre Berthier joined us,” says Guibert,33,adding that they are now based in Canada and Belgium.

While Lähdeoja,who is of Finnish origin,has recorded seven albums with various artists,Guibert has been part of a number of projects in England,France and Belgium. Apart from playing with the ensemble,cellist Sarachian from Argentina teaches violoncello and electric bass while multidisciplinary visual artist Berthier works with artist Karl-Otto von Oertzen under the name of Marswalkers. They create a blend steeped in the traditions of classical and jazz music that is integrated with digital arts.

Guibert explains that Berthier’s visuals are thought around the music and performed live just as a musician would do. “Alexandre is really a fourth active member of the performance as if another musician was playing with us. The Indian audience has been receptive to the audio-visual mix,” he says.

At the music concert in Pune,Berthier will set up a scenographic structure made of moving fabric on which a mix of video images and a play of light will be projected. It will be a reflection of the contemporary creative scene of Europe.

Playing only original compositions,the ensemble is also releasing their first album — recorded in September 2012 — in India.

IF Ensemble will perform on April 15,at Mazda Hall,Dastur Primary School,Camp,starting 7pm