NASHUA, NH–Symphony New Hampshire made history on Saturday when it debuted the first-ever Bollywood songs played on Western instruments only with award-winning singer Anuradha Palakurthi-Juju. (Photos: Cocoon Media)
This first-of-its-kind concert featured Bollywood favorites conducted by Symphony New Hampshire Music Director Roger Kalia in the packed Nashua Center for the Arts auditorium in Nashua, NH.
“For the musicians of Symphony New Hampshire, it was their first time encountering the world of Bollywood music. Likewise, it was Anuradha’s first time performing with an orchestra. I thought they all performed beautifully and with a great deal of passion throughout the evening,” Mr. Kalia told INDIA New England News. “They also had fun doing it, which is always nice to see. The arrangements of the different Bollywood songs were engaging and masterfully composed, which certainly led to the success of the concert.”
Mr. Kalia said that the concert this past weekend was a huge success.
“Collaborating with Anuradha on a variety of Bollywood songs with a full symphony orchestra was a true joy,” Mr. Kalia said. “It was also very special for me to see so much diversity in the audience – people of all ages and backgrounds filled the concert hall. All of us on stage felt their energy during the concert. There was certainly a great deal of love and camaraderie in the air, which made for an incredibly memorable evening.”
Deanna R. Hoying, executive director of Symphony New Hampshire, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, said performance on Oct. 21 was absolutely electric and that she was incredibly proud of her team at Symphony New Hampshire for its role in creating the first of its kind performance of Symphony Masala. Ms. Palakurthi was accompanied by guest singer Mithilesh Patankar during a few songs.
“The vocal artistry and expertise of Anuradha and Mithilesh was supported by our wonderful Music Director Roger Kalia and the musicians of Symphony New Hampshire. It all worked beautifully, and the audience was extremely appreciative,” said Ms. Hoying. “I saw so many smiles in the audience throughout the performance and heard lots of people singing along with their favorite songs.”
Classical singer and music teacher Arati Ankalikar, who taught Ms. Palakurthi, said that Symphonic Orchestration provided the perfect setting to the solitaire diamond that Ms. Palakurthi’s vocals were.
“There was no electronic sound and so every note was crystal-clear and had to be tuneful, and melodious,” said Ms. Ankalikar. “The singers carried an additional responsibility since these were Bollywood favorites that the majority of the audience have known from decades. As her Guru since 2013 I experienced her dedication and diligence. And the audiences in this city experienced her journey to excellence.”
Ms. Ankalikar said that she was part of the team that was involved in this program from song selection, scores writing and rewriting.
“I was with her through hundreds of practice sessions – planning through execution,” said Ms. Ankalikar. “The vision of the Palakurthis to make these classics playable anywhere in the Western world is noble. As an Indian I am overjoyed that brilliant Bollywood melodies will gain newer audiences and recognition through the efforts of the pioneering work by them – and I am sure that many others will follow.”
Harish Dang, who hosted Sounds of India radio show played Bollywood songs for over 40 years in Greater Boston, said that history was made in Nashua on Oct. 21.
“As mentioned by orchestra conductor Roger Kalia that this show was the first of its kind in United States or perhaps in the world,” said Mr. Dang. “The stage presence and the melodious voice of Anuradha took the audience by a storm. The symphony musicians added frosting to the cake by not missing a beat throughout the show. “Three days have passed and her rendition of Hum dil de chuke sanam- Tere ho gaye hain hum is still humming in my ears. Unbelievable show.”
Ms. Palakurthi and Mr. Patankar sand about 20 songs and Bollywood medleys. They included Roz Shaah Aati, Lag Ja Gale, Naina Barse, Pehla Nasha, Shola Jo Bhadke, Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai, Chandan Sa Badan, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, Chaiyya Chaiyya, Hum Dil De Chuke, Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua, and Piya Tu, among others.
Ms. Palakurthi said that special kudos goes to the incredibly talented Symphony New Hampshire team of musicians that was able to create a magical experience with a different kind of background music to some of Bollywood’s greatest hits.
“Though a majority of the audience knew the older scores, they were open to the variations that a Western acoustic treatment mandates, and Roger conducted the event with infectious aplomb,” said Mr. Palakurthi. “It was a spectacular experience for me as a singer – and the consistent feedback we got back during the show was loud supportive cheers of amazement.”
She said that the team of musicians that wrote scores bridged two fundamentally different types of music.
“They worked for over nine months from different geographies. Their meticulous efforts were on display,” said Ms. Palakurthi. “Thank you Kamlesh Bhadkamkar, Neville Franco, Ishaan Chhabra, Balasubramanian G, and D J Sparr. Lastly – thank you to my wonderful group of home supporters in Boston who attend my concerts. Your cheer is my fuel.”
The show was produced in collaboration with Juju Productions and Symphony New Hampshire.
Symphony New Hampshire is dedicated to performing great music with an exceptional orchestra to enrich and delight our diverse audiences, expand the musical and humanitarian contributions of the entire arts community, provide learning opportunities with performances that spread beauty, empowerment and goodwill.
Juju Productions is a Boston-based music and video production company, where artists and singers work with Anuradha Palakurthi-Juju work to produce creative, innovative musical endeavors. It creates music that attracts global audiences, transcends national and cultural boundaries while being rooted in evolving Indian traditions.
