Symphony Orchestra of India gets back to Bengaluru with A Classical Christmas 

members of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI).
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As the festive season has arrived, with cakes, colourful lights, bells and jingles everywhere, the musicians of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), National Centre for the Performing Art (NCPA), return to Ranga Shankarawith their highly anticipated concert, A Classical Christmas, on December 20 and 21.

A Classical Christmas will be conducted by Barbara Poplawska, and the evening will feature many festive sets, beginning with Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, followed by Tchaikovsky’s enchanting The Nutcracker Suite and December from The Seasons. The concert will also showcase Strauss’s iconic The Blue Danube, culminating in a medley of beloved traditional Christmas carols.  

Speaking to The Hindu, Bianca Mendonca, General Manager, SOI and Western Classical Music (NCPA), said that the Symphony Orchestra of India, founded in 2006, has been the country’s only professional orchestra. “While the SOI aims to train more Indians in Western Classical Music through the efforts of the SOI Music Academy, it continues to invite globally acclaimed soloists, conductors and musicians from different parts of the world to deliver world-class orchestral experiences in its home in Mumbai at the NCPA,” she said.   

Greater potential

Bianca said that the SOI has always loved to perform at Ranga Shankara due to its beautiful acoustics and warm audience. “Bengaluru is a culturally rich and vibrant city and has great potential for larger scale western classical musical events. With the continued support of the public, we hope to bring our Mumbai concerts lineup here very soon,” she added. 

What adds to SOI’s awaited concert is Ranga Shankara’s acoustics. The venue’s natural sound, free from any external amplification, creates an extraordinary listening experience that elevates every performance. The acoustics ensure that every note from the SOI resonates with clarity, offering an immersive and intimate connection between the musicians and the audience, said Rebecca.

Arundhati Nag, Managing Trustee of Ranga Shankara, said the theatre space believes in bringing the best for Bengaluru audiences and SOI is one among the top programmes it hosts. “SOI, by the NCPA, has been coming to Ranga Shankara at least once a year for many years now. It has become a kind of pact between us and the NCPA. We open our doors to the best of Western classical music to the country every year through them. We are proud to play hosts to them in our very special auditorium, that is a natural chamber music place with no mics,“ she added.   

Concert for children 

SOI will also be presenting a special concert for children, A Symphony of Colours, designed to introduce them to the magical connection between music and colour. This concert invites young listeners to explore how different musical tones can evoke the emotions and vibrancy of colours.

The interactive performance offers a fun and engaging way for children to connect with their creativity and emotions, while fostering a deeper appreciation for music and the arts. For children between the ages of seven and 12, the concert will be conducted on December 21, at 11 a.m. 

Tickets for all three shows on December 20 and 21, at 7.30 p.m., are available at the Ranga Shankara box-office and on BookMyShow.