Karnataka - Bangalore   

Their tunes soothe the mind

Raghava M.

THERAPEUTIC: Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra in action. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

BANGALORE: Airmen touch the sky with glory and the musicians of Indian Air Force (|IAF) touch the sky with musical glory.

This is how Squadron Leader Pramod Kumar Jena, Principal Coordinator of Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra (AWSO), describes the role of the IAF military band for the past 60 years. "The musical heights that we reach helps soothe the minds of our colleagues and the public," he said.

His statement sounded true when the 65-member orchestra performed before the Air Force personnel at Jalahalli Air Force Station here on Saturday.

The performance marked release of a coffee book showing the contribution of the Orchestra, its history and its performances.

This short duration performance started with fanfare, a flourish of trumpets to welcome the audience, which included the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command, Air Marshal G.S. Chaudhry.

Then came the famous symphony of Mozart of western classical music. It was followed by Grand Polka, a vibrant number signifying happiness. A pop number "El Bimbo" from "Golden Guitar" album was played.

Audience tapped their feet hearing the popular Hindi number "Har Ghadi Badal Rahi Hai..." from the film Kal Ho Na Ho. The performance came to an end with Vande Mataram.

Air Marshal Choudary later released the coffee book of the AWSO, which is acclaimed as the first Asian member of the International Military Music Society. The orchestra was formed in June 2002 with musicians handpicked from various Air Force Bands.

The AWSO not only makes use of the traditional military band but also makes use of instruments such as the keyboard, guitar, violin, tabla and mrudangam.

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