A recreation of Haydn’s masterpiece ‘The Creation’

Member of the Madras Guild of Performing Arts and the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Indian premiere of FJ Haydn’s ‘The Creation’ presented by the Madras Guild of Performing Arts (MGPA) in association with the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo (GMSC) promises an evening that will transport the audience into the realm of divine artistry. , This was GMSC’s first international tour.

Inside the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, a sanctuary of sound and light, the air was buzzing with anticipation. The excited whispers of attendees, a mix of seasoned fans and curious newcomers created a harmonious prelude to the night’s performance. This led him to be inspired by Haydn’s masterful depiction of the composition. book of genesis From Bible and John Milton Paradise Lost,

At the helm of this ambitious endeavor was MGPA conductor Atul Jacob Isaac, whose vision and passion brought Haydn’s masterpiece to life. “I had the privilege of studying and learning the Viennese style of conducting and interpretation of the composers of this particular century,” shared Issac. “I was excited and honored to put this into practice with the choir I led and an orchestra with a very strong musical foundation in both management and skills.”

the performance started Representation of chaos, A soundscape capturing the unfolding shocks of the universe. The orchestra painted a vivid tapestry, where each instrument contributed to the cosmic dialogue. The strings were humming, the brass roaring, and the woodwinds dancing, each indicating a masterful stroke on Haydn’s vast canvas.

The change from C minor to C major on the word “Light” was a moment of sheer genius, as the entire team performed together for the first time. Issacs said, “Theatrically, I had 70 percent of the lights at the beginning of the piece and when the choir sang ‘And There Was Light,’ the stage was completely lit.”

Soprano Christina Ammatil and Tenor Ramon Branch Biscus | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Distinguished soprano Christina Ammatil played the roles of Gabriel and Eve with grace and power. Tenor Ramon Branch Biscus, as Uriel, filled his performance with clarity and emotion, while the performance of baritone Maximilian Catalano, portraying Raphael and Adam, resonated with depth and authority. His performance brought the characters to life while weaving a narrative rich with drama and beauty.

In a moment of cultural fusion, the double slice, Danno BudungeA breathtaking finale was added. This famous Sri Lankan song, celebrating the glory of Anuradhapura, was composed by Pandit Vishwanath Lauji, an Indian musician with a deep love for Western classical music. Manilal Weerakoon’s orchestral arrangement adds to the grandeur of the song, which represents a perfect union of Sri Lankan, Indian and Western influences. It was a fitting tribute to the shared heritage and musical ties between the nations.

GMSC Director Srimal Weerasinghe stressed the importance of this cultural exchange. The performance was not just a display of musical prowess, but a celebration of human connection and the power of music beyond language and geography.

The concert raised poignant questions about the future of the art form in the city. How can Chennai develop a deeper appreciation for Western classical music while celebrating its heritage? What role do such collaborations play in bridging the cultural divide?

Renowned pianist Anil Srinivasan, a prominent personality from Chennai, highlighted the need to promote this growing interest. “Democratize the listening experience by hosting more community engagements – demos and workshops. Also, Western classical teachers should encourage their students’ participation in performances. Allow for more dialogue and discourse.

Reflecting on the performance, Issacs hoped that the audience would gain a deeper appreciation of Haydn’s final masterpiece. “Whether a veteran or an amateur, this speech will resonate with you,” he said.