CHENNAI: Chennaites were in for a pleasant experience on Wednesday evening. No, it was neither the timely rains nor the wonderful weather. The Australian World Orchestra (AWO) was in the city to enthral patrons of western classical music with their top notch performance. With maestro Zubin Mehta conducting the orchestra, the evening was an enchanting treat for both the eyes and ears. As Zubin Mehta and the artistes of AWO set foot on stage, there was a thunder of applause from the audience.
Zubin Mehta was performing in the city after 10 years. Inspite of heavy rains, music lovers filled the auditorium to witness the scintillating performance of AWO.
Vijay Amrithraj made the honours and welcomed the eminent guests of the evening. “This evening brings together Australia’s finest and the leading orchestra,” he said.
Chief Justice of Madras High Court Sanjay Kishan Kaul also graced the event.
Neil Thompson, chairman of AWO, said cultural exchange between the two countries had been simply amazing. The 81-member band were seen playing an array of instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, timpani and percussion.
Australian Soprano Greta Bradman enthralled the crowd with her performance. She not only showed power in her vocal range but also charmed the crowd with her expressive recital. Violists Daniel Dodds and Tobias Lea were on a roll and performed with enthusiasm.
The artists with their meticulous hand movements performed the compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioachino Rossini and Johannes Brahms.
The Johannes Brahms, which was the final touch of the concert was much enjoyed by the audience after which the whole crowd gave a standing ovation.
T M Krishna, popular carnatic vocalist, who was among the patrons of AWO, said he was awestruck by the performance. “The intensity of the performance was out of the world and an amazing experience,” he said. It was a fresh and out of the world experience for everyone who had a chance to witness the breathtaking performance of AWO artistes.