In 2016, when I found myself the only Indian in the Lucy Della Ribalta International Festival, I made a promise to myself that, next year I will not come here alone and bring some talented Indian musicians with me. Today, the dream has become a reality by God’s grace. We extend our gratitude to the Mozart Italia Terni, the Founder and President of the Festival Ms. Anais Lee and Maestro Alessandro Viale for building this amazing collaboration with us. The initiative will certainly add to the wonderful and meaningful friendship both the countries share with each other and help the larger purpose of developing the art of Western Classical music in India. Here are the brief bios of the three new participants out of the FANTASTIC FOUR from India.
Aarya Ganesan
Piano
Aarya Ganesan is a 16 year old student studying in Greenwood International High School, Bangalore, pursuing Music in her school as a subject of the IB curriculum under the guidance of Mr. Omprakash Roy. Aarya began learning the keyboard at the age of 6, which mainly revolved around Indian Music. She started developing a keen interest in Western Classical Music and started going to Piano classes under Ms. Serena Anthony at the age of 8. She is currently going to be giving her Grade 8 Piano Exam under Trinity in the winter session of 2017. In 2014, she secures 2nd place in the Kawai Junior Piano competition – judged by Ms. Pauline Warjri. She has performed in numerous Student Recitals organized by her teacher, Ms. Anthony, she has performed for the NRI Parents’ Association of Bangalore and at two fundraisers. She also takes part in annual Graduation Day Celebrations amongst other functions at school. Aarya personally enjoys Romantic Music and Contemporary Music. She also takes great interest in Music Composition and Song-writing which she will be pursuing in college.
Ritu Gopal
Violin
Ritu Gopal is a violinist and researcher with an M.Phil in Education Studies, and a Diploma in Violin Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India. Her background in violin performance, teaching and music therapy for children with autism inspires her research specialisation of exploring music education practices in Indian contexts towards a critical analysis and documentation. Work experiences in disability and inclusion rights deepen her inclination towards supporting the accessibility of music to marginalised societies. She began studying Western Classical violin at the age of seven and attributes her musical journey to several notable tutors, masterclasses, and local initiatives. Since 2011, she has been performing with the India National Youth Orchestra and Chorus and mentors musicians from her hometown of Hyderabad as Regional Representative. She played as a guest artist with the Bombay Chamber Orchestra, Vienna University Orchestra and Chorus, and other ensembles and choirs. Connecting with her Indian roots through Carnatic and Hindustani vocal music, she is an avid listener of diverse musical genres, and is keen to experiment with traditional and contemporary world music.
Arun Rozario
Violin
Arun Rozario is a Licentiate in Violin performance from the ABRSM. He was Concert Master of the Bangalore Chamber Orchestra from 2006-2013. He is an active member and leader in the Indian National Youth Orchestra and national representative of the newly formed Canada- India Youth Orchestra. Arun is strong soloist and inspiration to the next generation young Violinists in India.
In his formative years, he has studied under some of the best violin teachers in the country including concert violinist Jody McComb (USA) and the late Mr. Assey. He won scholarships to train and perform with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYOC) in 2012 and 2013, and toured with them for concerts in both Canada & the USA. He recently returned from the much sought after strings program at Domaine Forget in Quebec – Canada where he studied under famous performers and teachers including Mary Elizabeth Browne, David Gillham, Mark Fewer, Denise Lupien, Patrice Fontanarosa, Pascale Giguere to name a few.
Arun is a seasoned Violinist and a qualified Electronics Engineer with over 6 years of Corporate and Management experience and over 15 years of teaching the violin. As the founder of the VioVoi Music Academy in Bangalore he aims at imparting quality western classical music education in India and aiding aspiring musicians to study in India and overseas.
Note: My bio is available at www.michaelmakhal.com