London Bollywood Orchestra (LBO), which made an impressive debut with ‘Bollywood Greats’ last year, returned for a second outing over the weekend – this time at London’s Shaw Theatre with ‘Sounds of Mumbai’.
The ensemble featuring talented musicians on an array of wind, string, brass and percussion instruments, complete with tabla and dholak beats and under the masterly direction of conductor Tim Pottier, had the sold-out auditorium swaying and clapping along with some of the Hindi film industry’s most loved tunes.
MORE LIKE THIS…
Award-winning singers Navin Kundra and Rekha, familiar to many from the debut show as well as their accomplished musical performances in the UK and beyond, expertly brought those ‘Sounds of Mumbai’ to life on stage.
Whether it was the mellow melodious notes of Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi and Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh or the faster foot-tapping beats of Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and Chaiyya Chaiyya, the audience loved every minute as they hummed and clapped along. By the time the orchestra came to their first-time rendition of Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Omkara’ hit Beedi Jalaile, they were completely immersed in the musical magic unfolding on stage.
From an impromptu Baar Baar Din Ye Aaye to celebrate a milestone birthday in the house to an ode to the fathers with Papa Kehte Hain, the concert was not only a beautiful journey through the ages but also through myriad emotions in just two and a half hours.
MORE LIKE THIS…
As Pottier noted, music that was written by some of the Indian film industry’s most celebrated music directors for an orchestra rarely gets an outing in its purest form. Therefore, this vision of Vimal Anandpura to expand its reach beyond Mumbai’s shores is slowly but surely making a mark.
For those still shouting “once more” as the musicians took their final bows, the next LBO outing is already in the works for October. Watch this space!
*Info: London Bollywood Orchestra
