Operatic take : Former diplomat Nirupama Rao on her orchestra's upcoming concerts
Soloists Alok Kumar (tenor) and Cheryl Bains (soprano), trained opera singers of Indian origin, will bring these global classics to life. 'These performances show how South Asian talent can rise to global standards in this genre,' she explains.
The concerts will be followed by a musical collaboration and leadership workshop, which will be open to music enthusiasts, students, and the curious alike. 'The workshop will offer a close-up view of how the magic of performance comes together,' says Rao, further adding, 'It's not just for trained musicians but also anyone curious about the arts.'
Participants can also interact with Alok Kumar, conductor Maria Badstue, and pianist Soundarie David-Rodrigo, among others, to understand the nuances of operatic performance and orchestral synergy. 'It's about nurturing the next generation not just technically, but emotionally and artistically,' she adds.
Despite a demanding career as a writer and singer, the former ambassador notes that she finds the greatest fulfilment in music. 'Music is the most immediate and soul-stirring of all my pursuits. The orchestra gives strangers a shared identity. It's about healing, storytelling, and forging connections that words alone cannot,' she adds.
And what message does she have for young musicians and art educators? 'Strive for perfection. Never stop learning. Carry with you discipline and openness to the world beyond your borders,' she concludes.
(The concerts will be held at Christ University on August 2 (5pm) and at Bangalore International Centre on August 3 (from 6pm), followed by a workshop at Sabha Blr on August 4 (from 7pm). For more details, visit: symphonyofsouthasia.org)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
16 minutes ago
- Mint
Urvashi Rautela's Dior bag stolen from Gatwick airport, actor seeks help from London police
Actor Urvashi Rautela took to her Instagram account on Thursday to seek help from London police after her Dior bag went missing. She claimed that her luxury bag was stolen from the baggage belt after she landed at Wimbledon. She said she was flying on Emirates from Mumbai to London via Dubai. She took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, 'Injustice tolerated is injustice repeated.' She tagged Gatwick Airport, Emirates, and the Metropolitan Police in her post and added pictures of her boarding pass, baggage tag, and a first-class ticket to prove her claim. Her post read, 'Our @wimbledon @dior brown baggage was stolen from the belt at @gatwickairport after flying @emirates from Mumbai during #Wimbledon. Baggage tag & ticket above. Urgently requesting help to retrieve it.' Urvashi Rautela further used hashtags like #platinumemiratesmember and #gatwickairportpolice in her post to escalate the matter and seek urgent help. Her post has attracted mixed reactions from the netizens. While some did not believe the actor's claims, others expressed concerns. One user wrote in the comment section, 'I hope your Labubus are safe.' 'First Indian to lose baggage returning from Wimbledon,' added another. One more commented, "Previously got her iPhone stolen and now Dior bag…' The actor has now turned off the comment section of her post. Meanwhile, there has been no official response from Gatwick Airport, Emirates Airlines, or the UK police following Urvashi's complaint. Urvasi attended the Wimbledon championships earlier in July. She grabbed a lot of attention on the internet when she posted pictures from the event. She was at the women's singles final match. She wore a white midi-length dress which featured a corsetted bodice. However, the highlight of her look was the Hermes handbag. The bag was adorned with not one but four Labubu dolls. She wrote in the caption of her post, 'PRINCESS OF WALES #KATEMIDDLETON TRULY AN HONOR TO MEET YOU meeting thee is a joy divine WIMBLEDON 2025 FINALS!' In 2023, Urvashi lost her 24-carat gold iPhone at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the India vs. Pakistan match. She had tagged Ahmedabad Stadium and Narendra Modi Stadium and wrote, "Lost my 24 carat real gold i phone at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad! If anyone comes across it, please help. Contact me ASAP! #LostPhone #AhmedabadStadium #HelpNeeded #indvspak @modistadium @ahmedabadpolice."
News18
25 minutes ago
- News18
JJ Valaya Closes India Couture Week 2025 With A Majestic Ode To The East
Last Updated: JJ Valaya's grand finale at India Couture Week 2025 was a regal tribute to the East, blending heritage, mystique, and modern craftsmanship to celebrate his 33-year legacy. Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 concluded on a high note in New Delhi on July 30, with master couturier JJ Valaya presenting a grand finale that was equal parts theatrical, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Celebrating an illustrious 33 years in fashion, Valaya's closing showcase, aptly titled 'East," brought down the curtain on this year's edition with regal flair and reflective grandeur. Unfolding like a rich cultural tapestry, the 60-piece collection drew inspiration from the layered aesthetics of Eastern India, as well as the romanticised lens through which the West once viewed the East including the mysticism of India, the Balkans, and the Far East. The result was an opulent interplay of silks, velvets, brocades, and organzas, executed in Valaya's signature maximalist style, baroque, intricate, and steeped in storytelling. The show opened with theatrical finesse, as monks glided down the ramp in a scene that evoked spiritual stillness and timeless tradition. Anchored by Rajiv Makhni's lighthearted monologue, the evening maintained an engaging rhythm, seamlessly blending the classical with the contemporary. Midway through, a spellbinding Kathak performance added a poetic interlude to the runway, elevating the couture showcase to an immersive cultural experience. Valaya's set design matched the drama of his garments, grand terracotta elephants stood sentinel over the runway, evoking temple architecture and the opulence of royal courts. The casting was as compelling as the clothes. Among those who walked were Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma, and actors Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse, who brought a starry energy to the show. But the finale belonged to Rasha Thadani and Ibrahim Ali Khan, who closed the event with youthful poise and royal allure. Rasha Thadani wore a midnight black lehenga choli intricately embroidered with traditional motifs, featuring a pronounced border and a draped dupatta with subtle striped accents. Her look was styled with minimal yet striking jewellery, a diamond bracelet and rings that added just the right sparkle. top videos View all Ibrahim Ali Khan complemented the regal aesthetic in a structured black sherwani with a high collar and front placket, worn over a relaxed patiala-style salwar. The tonal styling underscored his stately presence while nodding to traditional silhouettes with a modern edge. More than a finale, JJ Valaya's 'East" was a deeply personal tribute to three decades of artistry. It reaffirmed his place not just as a couturier, but as a cultural archivist, someone who continues to mine the past with imagination and finesse, and reinterprets it for the present with relevance and reverence. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fashion lifestyle view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 17:17 IST News lifestyle JJ Valaya Closes India Couture Week 2025 With A Majestic Ode To The East Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli poked after Shubman Gill comes of age in debut series as Test captain: 'And some players dye their beard'
For someone who wasn't given much of a chance to create an impact ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Shubman Gill has responded in some style. India's new Test captain has taken to the England series like grabbing a bull by its horns, having burned up the charts. Gill is the leading run-scorer of the series, having plundered 722 runs, leaving behind a trail of records, and is on the verge of a couple more big ones. What a story it has been. From being questioned for his batting skills outside of India, to becoming the most standout batter of the series, Gill has come a long way, and it's just his maiden series as captain. Virat Kohli, left, and Shubman Gill during the pink ball Test last year (AFP) Also Read: Follow India vs England 5th Test Day 1 More importantly, Gill has adapted beautifully to the void left by Virat Kohli. The former India Test stalwart's retirement meant that the No. 4 slot was left vacant. And Gill, who was earlier tried as opener and at No. 3, has more than done justice to the position, scoring three centuries and a double hundred to lead India by example. He may have lost all five tosses thus far, but despite training 1-2 in the series, the skipper has already learnt a lot in less than two months in his role as Test captain. Varun Aaron fires a curveball That Gill has grown exponentially in his first assignment – a big one – is a true testament to his character. But at the same time, the fact that it comes on the heels of Kohli walking away from Test cricket draws an interesting parallel. Former India pacer Varun Aaron weighed in on the same, expressing that captaincy takes a heavy toll mentally, and how it ages people multiple times than usual. Also, reacting to Kohli's revelation that he now has to dye his beard, Aaron quipped at the former India captain. "That's what happens to all Indian captains. They come in with a full bunch of black hair and leave with a lot of salt and pepper. And then, some even dye their beard," he said, triggering a laugh among the studio experts. "Shubman Gill has kind of come full circle; he is the Test team captain, has batted so well, more than 700 runs. Any words or phrases would fall short to describe his batting. This Test is going to define his legacy going forward as a captain," Aaron said on the Sony Sports Network. Kohli, who attended an event hosted by Yuvraj Singh, was asked about his decision to retire from Test cricket. While he did not address it in as many words, he did mention, "I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are colouring your beard every four days."
