DUNCAN, B.C.: A spectacular new vision of Indian music and dance is coming to Cowichan. Legendary musician Rahis Bharti is bringing his incredible ensemble of musicians and dancers to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. The Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India – “The Spirit of India” on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The Spirit of India is a lavish and colourful show, bringing brass band, classical and traditional Indian music together for the first time. This is Indian music as it’s never been heard before. The show is Bharti’s dream, and the vibrant ensemble of musicians, singers, and dancers has performed to huge audiences since their inception in 2012. Whether playing at outdoor music festivals or lavishly-decorated indoor stages, audiences around the world can’t get enough.
The Bollywood Masala Orchestra is made up of musicians from Rajasthan and northern India who take us on a journey from Rajasthan to Mumbai. It’s a musical extravaganza with an ensemble of 17 professional musicians.
Songs include traditional Rajasthani songs and hits from popular Bollywood movies. Instruments including bass drums, side drums, trombone, tabla, dholak, harmonium and clarinet, contribute to this feast of sound. The music is celebratory, yearning, and tremendously fun.
The Spirit of India is an entire theatrical event. The stage isn’t just full of musicians and singers—lavishly costumed dancers spin and twirl in traditional and contemporary moves. Acrobats, fire-eaters, and sword dancers add even more vivid colours and mesmerizing movement. Astounding acts of daredevilry such as standing on swords, fire-breathing, and the spellbinding Snake Charming Dance add to the excitement.
The Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India – “The Spirit of India”
Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
Adult: $44 / Senior/Student: $38 / eyeGo $5
Tickets are available in person at the Ticket Centre, 2687 James St. or by phone (250) 748-7529 or online at cowichanpac.ca.
RAHIS Bharti, one of India’s greatest musical figures, is part of a musical dynasty. Seven generations of the family were musicians. Bharti has travelled the world experiencing musical influences and celebrating their cultures.
Bharti developed his innovative, bold vision of live Indian music and dance in 2012. He wanted to bring the amazing sounds and spirituality of India to worldwide audiences. With the Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India bringing the music, dance, and dynamic rhythms of his homeland, Bharti’s dream is fulfilled.
A tremendously successful musician and artistic director, Rahis Bharti has previously played with the Dhoad Gypsies. The Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers also blend traditional Rajasthani folk music, classical north Indian music, and contemporary music in an exotic mix of sound and spirituality.
The band features 17 professional artists, plus 3 dancers. The combination of Indian and Western instruments (bass drums, side drums, trombone, tabla, dholak, harmonium, clarinet, and many more) are a brilliant evocation of modern India in all its wonderful complexity.
The Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India are an authentic taste of the richness and excitement of Indian music.
http://www.bollywoodmasalaorchestra.com/index_en.html