The fifth day of May, which marks the anniversary of the arrival of Indians to Guyana, and is better known as ‘Arrival Day’, is expected to be the grand launch of the Guyana National Indian Orchestra, a newly introduced style of music to Guyana.
This idea was introduced by the founder of the band, a legendary musician and recording artist, Bhaskar Sharma, who disclosed that during his trip to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to be part of the annual regatta, the need for this was essential and so it was organised. It is expected to feature individuals from a number of different musical groups and background in order to highlight their
The founder of the orchestra, Bhaskar Sharma
compositions.
According to Sharma, “We will invite all heads of the Hindu religious organisations in Guyana – including the Arya Samaj and also Islamic groups nationwide to participate and support this musical initiative, as we will be introducing and teaching both Hindi and Urdu to all practitioners of this sublime art.”
The activities surrounding the orchestra will be managed and directed by Sharma, who possesses substantial knowledge as it related to music since he assisted the then Indian Cultural Centre in Corentyne, Berbice in its activities of teaching classical Indian music with the harmonium, an instrument of which he is adept.
According to the organisers, the format of the group will include the presentation of Indian classical instruments such as the harmonium, sitar, dholak, table, flute and tassa among others that are popular in Guyana and other parts of the world. Real Indian classical music will be pursued, which is known as “Shastri Sangeet” and also other contemporary rhythms of the best Bollywood music to suit the younger generation. Additionally, there will be a number of other genres being performed by the talented musicians.
There will be auditions opened to the general public and is targeted at individuals who possess the varying talents that are associated with the classical music being portrayed by the new orchestra. Persons who are willing to welcome the new idea can contact Bhaskar Sharma on 1-416-759-6397 or the Guyana representative Ramkissoon Singh at 592-220-7475. Meanwhile, the organisers of the series of events, which are scheduled for the latter part of this month and May, have disclosed that more details will be provided as the time winds down for the official performances.
