“We began our collaboration in 2002,” says Rahul Sharma, as another camera flash goes off in the background. “A music label suggested that we collaborate, and I was dumbfounded, in the beginning. Why would the great Richard Clayderman want to collaborate with me?” he continues, “But Richard was intrigued when he discovered my musical background — I guess I got lucky. When he heard that I compose music too, he offered to let me work on the music for our collaboration. And that is how The Confluence happened.”
“I was completely seduced by the santoor,” says Richard Clayderman, as he reiterates the story, with the help of a translator. “And Rahul has such amazing technique. I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but I wanted to do it. Fortunately, the project was a success!” he say, with a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eye. The Confluence went on to become one of the biggest hits in the genre. And fans just couldn’t get enough. The duo went on to record Confluence II, which was also extremely well received.
The duo just finished their two city concert tour of India. The first performance was at Mumbai, the second in Hyderabad, on Sunday. “We have performed many times, but this was the first time the event was open to the public. Before, it was always charity events and the likes — between the sponsors and donors there are never any passes left for regular people. Which is why this tour is such a great experience! When I’m playing, and I see the two thousand people in front of me and I know that they’re all here just for the music, it’s amazing,” says Sharma, animatedly.
Though the two artistes were touring together, professionally and musically, they are on different pages. Clayerman is about to embark on a world tour — to China, Korea, Ecuador and Peru.
“The recording industry is in a bit of slump, so I am not working on anything new at the moment. Also, for a musician, touring is just the best fun. I love it!” says Clayderman, excitedly. Sharma, on the other hand, has a new album out — Rainchanted, and is working on another one, which is due to be released in a couple of months. “I am collaborating with Kenny G for the new album. It’s still in the works. There’s still a lot we have to do.” But that doesn’t Sharma is just going to sit around composing! He will be off to Paris to play at the Théâtre de la Ville. And he’s plenty excited about it, too! “Playing at Théâtre de la Ville is one of the things I am looking forward to the most, right now,” says Sharma.