The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : A battle-fit band

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Saturday, Sep 23, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

A battle-fit band

Staff Reporter

The Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra treats city to some soulful melodies

MUSIC IN UNISON: Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra members during a concert in Hyderabad on Friday. - PHOTO: SATISH H.

HYDERABAD: What could have complemented a rainy evening in the city better than the symphony flowing from the air warriors' musical instruments? It was an evening filled with melodies like Mozart's Symphony No. 25, Shankara originally by musical director K. V. Mahadevan and Zigeunerweisen composed by James Last.

Air Warriors' Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) played these tunes with woodwind, reed, electronic and percussion instruments. The orchestra was formed in June 2002 with musicians from various Air Force bands. It comprises Air Force officers as well as technicians. There are 70 musicians in the orchestra, housed at Air Force station Jalahalli, Bangalore.

Speaking to reporters, Union Minister of State for Defence, M. M. Pallam Raju said this event was part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Indian Air Force. The objective was to showcase that apart from the air warfare, Air Force personnel can excel in artistic pursuits too.

The Minister said the idea was to spread awareness among the youth about the Indian Air Force so that more talented youngsters join the Force. AWSO has done many concerts abroad too. It also participated in the International Military Band festivals in Finland, France and Italy.

In 2005, the Air Force band became the 35th member of the International Military Music Society.

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