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He keys in music
Stephen Devessia
THEY LIVE,breathe and dream music. Sans music, it's a totally different world for them. Meet 22 Year old Stephen Devessia who was in Kochi to grace the launch of Toyota Innova, Toyota's latest entry in the automobile market. The event at Nippon Toyota showroom, Kundannur, had a couple of young musicians performing, of whom Stephen was one. Music filled the air as the tempo reached Allegretto, the fastest rhythm in music.
Stephen Devessia who plays the piano has done eight grades in music from the Trinity College of Music, London and was the best scorer in Asia whose record is yet to be bettered. He started learning the piano at age 10 under the guidance of Lesly Peter who was his first guru. He went on to study music at the Chethana Music Academy, Thrissur.
Since then Stephen has gone places, literally. Two recordings for `Udaya,' a Tamil movie, and an instrumental album are to his credit. He scored the music for the Malayalam movie, `Hariharan Pillai HappyAnnu' in which Mohan Lal did the lead role.
At sweet 17 instead of hanging out at hot spots, Stephen was busy working with Colonial Cousins and then, with the musical wizard, A.R.Rahman. "It's all thanks to my family who gives me full support," says the music prodigy.
"Fusion is the trend in music today. Bringing together the Western and the Eastern. Merging them and concocting new style in music.
"I play the Indian musical style which appears to be Western," remarks Devassia. Stephen, who loves Mozart's Symphony is inspired by Yanni, the Greek musician and Michael W Smith in musical compositions. He was in Rex Band, a Christian contemporary band singing gospel fusion and pretty soon, he says, " I got the opportunity to sing before Pope John Paul II. It was at an event that took place in Canada during the World Youth Day. Around 40 to 50 bands from all over the world were present and we were the only one from India. It was a very thrilling experience."
Stephen has done concerts with L.Subramaniam.
JIJI ANN CHERIAN
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