This May, most of the Indian musicians of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) housed at The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) played at crèches, hospitals, hospices and old age homes under their newly launched outreach program "Summer with SOI.” Chairman Khushroo Suntook believes that music should go to the people when they cannot receive it at formal spaces. Through music he would like to add a new dimension to the lives of people living in slums, orphanages and those suffering from ailments. He says: "One part of the program was directed to less privileged children, senior homes and cancer patients and the second part of the program reached out to corporates.”
NCPA’s outreach at Mumbai Mobile Crèches and St Anthony’s Old Age Home;
Dr Mhaskhar Cancer Hospital
During the summer holidays when no concerts are scheduled, the NCPA musicians moved among people who don’t usually come for concerts. Unable to go in large numbers, as hospices and orphanages have limited space, the musicians travel as string quartets and quintets, in groups of four or five. This time a percussionist (a drummer) was also added. The program appeals to the audience — very basic Mozart, easy on the ears or old musical numbers, popular songs and of course old and new Bollywood tunes. The orchestra members permitted children to play the percussion instruments they had carried and then taught them different rhythms. In Suntook’s words, "The children, patients and seniors were all so happy to listen to this music. For most of them this was the first time they ever heard classical music.”
"(It) seemed to break barriers for many young people who are of the perception that classical music is ‘not cool,’” Suntook informs us in an email. Some children from NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) attend open rehearsals at the NCPA. "The performers were extremely happy with these sessions and went out of their way to play pieces requested by the children.”
The project is an innovative youth education method in which music is the primary avenue for social and intellectual improvement in the slums. The concept is akin to Venezuelan musician, diplomat, economist José Abreu’s El Sistema founded in 1975. Suntook is aware of the imposing surroundings of the NCPA which quite often, (erroneously, he believes) inspires unintentional awe. He strives to make the atmosphere friendlier and less formal.