Symphony on the Lawns

For the first time, a symphony orchestra performed at the Turf Club. It was a formal event and had the "who's who" of Bombay attending. This extravaganza was a collaboration between NCPA and the RWITC.

The concert was conducted by the internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist, Marat Bisengaliev from Kazakhstan. There were over 65 musicians from 14 countries playing from music arranged in Canada. And the finale was a song sung by Kailash Kher accompanied by the SOI. It was awesome to be seated in the historic grandstand with the race course in front of us, listening to music that stirred one's soul and brought out a range of emotions from despair and sadness to joy and ecstasy.

Listening to them, I was instantly alerted to the simple facts:

• The orchestra is a perfect example of teamwork where every member makes a significant contribution.
• Even if there is a "Star". He is nothing without the support of the others.
• Generally there can only be one star performer but if there are 2, then there has to be compromise for the partnership to be successful.

We ended the evening with sumptuous dinner catered by Master Chef Farrokh Khambata.