88th Birthday Concert…

After a string of Indian classical sessions over the past one week, this evening it was the turn of the westerners. Overcome with hearts full of musical love, a group of over 30 musicians from three continents Europe, America and Asia joined together singing an array of western classical compositions in a programme entitled 88th Birthday Concert this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam.

The group famed as Sai Symphony Orchestra had performed in Bhagawan’s physical presence number of times, after their maiden offering in the year 2002.

This evening’s programme was conducted by Michael Koehlar from Germany, an internationally reputed musician who have had performances all over the world. Playing some of the finest of western compositions by, to name a few Leroy Anderson, WA Mozart, Ottorino Respighi, Luigi Boccherini, Johann Strauss, Leory Anderson the band regaled the audience for well over 40 minutes making it a memorable offering.

Some of the compositions were Reunion from ‘Alma Mater’, Minuet for Strings in A, Golden Years, Radetzky March etc. The group ended the concert playing three bhajans Govinda Krishna Jai…, Hari Om Namah Shivaya…, Subramanyam Subramanyam… Instruments used were, in the Strings category, Violin, Viola , Cello, Bass, in the Winds category, Clarinet and Flute and in the Brass category, Trumpet, Trombone, Keyboard, Cymbal, Timpani and Percussion.

Interestingly there were over 10 students from SSSIHL Brass Band Prasanthi Nilayam campus joining the group making it full and complete. At the end the concert, the musicians were accorded with a round of applause by the Sunday assembly.

Even as bhajans continued all the participants were felicitated. Bhajans ended with Bhagawan singing the Sundary Special Premamudita Manasey Kaho….. Mangala Arathi was offerd at 1810 hrs. marking the end of the session.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II