A fusion of different musical instruments recently enthralled a gathering at Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) as the musicians exhibited their mastery over multiple music tools.
The programme ‘FOPA Instrumental Fusion’ was a collaboration between Friends of Pattanamtitta (FOPTA) and the ICC. FOPA is an Indian community organisation associated with the ICC. 
As many as 13 musicians displayed their talents during the grand fiesta of instrumental fusion at Ashoka Hall in the ICC.
The music programme was a continuation of the initiative by ICC along with associate organisations, Indian schools and Indian cultural institutions in Qatar. Different cultural shows are organised every week providing a suitable platform and opportunity for different organisations of different states of India to showcase their culture.
The musicians, who have served in the Indian Navy for around two decades, performed various instrumental fusions along with vocal experts from Qatar. The musical instruments played at the programmed were namely: Nadaswarum, a double reed wind instrument from South India; flute, Carnatic Violin, a violin that carried one of the most exotic and mysterious sounds; western violin, saxophone, trumpet, keyboard, Mridagum, a percussion instrument from India of ancient origin; Thavil, a barrel shaped percussion instrument from Tamilnadu; Rhythm, Bass Guitar, and Head Guitar. The classical fusion was presented in Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil languages.
The classical music items presented during the evening included Carnatic Classic Keerthanam (Maha Ganapathim and Boho Shambho), Tamil movie songs (Kannane Kanne and Mankuyile Poonkuyile), KPAC (Kerala People’s Arts Club,) drama song (Parannu Parannu Parannu Chellan), old festival song (Mamangam), old Hindi song (Mana ho tum, Durum ain’t Akhiyom me, Ajaare Pardesi), Hindustani classical songs, Raag Darbari Kanada, theme Song of the film Sholay, trumpet and saxophone duet, Hindi Medley, violin solo, chain song with Music and Mangalam Carnatic (vocal).
A special performance of the patriotic song Sandese Aathe Hai with the live painting by artist Santosh Govind was the one of the highlishts of the evening, which the audience will cherish for a long time. The painting was done over the duration of the five-minute song.
Musicians who performed during the colourful musical evening were; Murali Govindan from Thrissur (Nadaswarum); Prathapan Melodan from Kannur (Flute); Jagadesh Kumar from Kottayam (Carnatic Violin); KS Sunil Kumar from Ernakulam and Mukesh K Nair from Trivandrum (Western Violin); Ramesh Peralil from Thrissur (Saxophone / Flute ); Danny from Trivandrum (Trumpet and keyboard); Bijesh Balakrishnan from Kannur (Vocal); Govind from Kottayam (Mridagum); Vinod Kumar from Thrissur (Thavil); Babu Varghese from Thrissur (Rhythm Pad); Allen (Bass Guitar); Suhail (Head Guitar); and Shebin Kalashetra from Qatar (Keyboard). The entire programme was energetically hosted by Arun Pillai Praveen and Prema Saratchandran.
Earlier, Oonnikrishnan Nair M N, President of FOPTA, introduced the artistes and the programme to the audience and also spoke about their continuous association with all major programmes of the ICC. He also spoke about the contribution of the associated organisation of ICC in the ‘Passage to India’ programme in 2016 and the roadshow for the environmental awareness during the Qatar National Environment day in 2015.
Manikantan AP, ICC President, welcomed the gathering and felicitated the artistes with the appreciation plaques. Speaking on the occasion, Manikantan said: “The programme was so well performed, co-ordinated by the group of ex Indian Navy personnel that the entire crowd were kept glued to their seats, applauding all along. We were all so fortunate to have been the part of this programme today.”
Seenu Pillai, ICC General Secretary, also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the team of musicians for their display of talent and art. He said: “The art and music combined together in the live painting with music brought the show to its peak. ICC will further strive to bring in such programmes to the audience and music, cultural and art lovers in Qatar.”
Anjan Ganguly, ICC Joint Secretary, spoke about an upcoming cultural programme, to be held on September 4. The event is being jointly staged by DPS-MIS School and ICC.” 
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