The National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music
MILAPFEST
“SAMYO is brilliant and has some very talented kids...these kids are the future!” Rakesh Chaurasia, guest tutor.
The Orchestra Orchestras aren’t commonplace in Indian Classical music, but the UK is home to a groundbreaking orchestra, and the only one of its kind in the world. SAMYO is the UK’s National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music. Formed in 2002, the orchestra has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian music, experimenting with both instrumental combinations and genre fusions. The resulting sound is classical, contemporary, beautiful and unique. Creating and facilitating opportunities for talented young musicians to realise their potential is at the heart of SAMYO’s mission. This is done through a combination of specialised intensive training and performance opportunities which offer motivation and inspiration. In 2012, the orchestra became one of eight National Youth Music Organisations funded by Arts Council England.
“SAMYO is one of the best orchestras they present a symphony of Indian Classical Music!� Shashank Subramaniam, guest tutor and composer.
The Music SAMYO uniquely plays music which has been written and composed especially for them by some of the greatest musicians of India. Past composers have included Bombay Jayashri, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan, Gaurav Mazumdar, Shashank Subramanyam, Jayanthi Kumaresh and Tarun Bhattacharya. SAMYO is creating avenues for future development in the genre through numerous collaborative projects too. By blending two Indian classical music forms, Hindustani and Carnatic, along with several other genres including Western classical, jazz and other world music influences, the orchestra is constantly exploring modernism within tradition. This idea is made implicit by the format of the orchestra. Playing Indian music in an orchestral ensemble is radical, when typically Indian music is played solo or in a duet. Further, the playing of composed music, where much of the Indian music tradition is rooted in improvisation and raga exploration, adds a new dimension.
Training & Opportunities Members of the orchestra benefit from both orchestral training and specialised one-to-one training with international artists throughout the year. Each new musician to SAMYO joins at one of the following stages within the orchestral structure: > SAMYO Training Orchestra - for musicians who require further development before performing with the orchestra > SAMYO - comprising of all performing members > SAMYO Too - a smaller group of exceptionally talented musicians who perform as a mini ensemble The orchestra meets regularly throughout the year and receives training in musical technique, repertoire, and orchestral skills. The annual summer music retreat, Music India, is the cornerstone of this training, providing a weeklong intensive residential programme of instruction with leading teachers and performers of the Indian Classical Music genre. This is complemented by a Spring Retreat, monthly orchestra reunions and rehearsals for performances.
“SAMYO is definitely an interesting ensemble. It’s great to be surrounded by fun, like minded musicians� Naviena, current SAMYO member.
The orchestra is the first step on a music career pathway, developed by Milapfest, to nurture the next generation of musicians playing Indian music in the UK.
Join SAMYO SAMYO offers young musicians a wide range of exceptional orchestral training and performance experience. Membership Benefits > Training with some of the greatest musicians of India > Playing in an orchestra specially for Indian music with direction from inspirational conductors > Opportunities to perform at some of the greatest venues and cities across the UK and internationally > Playing exciting and challenging orchestral compositions > Continuous support for your musical development offered through specialised training, fellowships, and additional performance opportunities > Discounted tickets to any Milapfest concert across the UK To be eligible to join SAMYO, applicants must be between the age of 10 and 18, resident in the UK, and trained in either the Carnatic or Hindustani style of Indian Classical Music. Joining SAMYO is FREE, and there are no membership costs, however members are asked to pay a small fee for the annual residential Music India Summer School. For more information on how to apply and audition to be a member of SAMYO, please contact Milapfest on 0151 291 3949 or email samyo@milapfest.com
Watch a Performance The orchestra performs in an Annual Showcase in London and in the North West each year, and in special appearances at festivals or venues around the country. Each SAMYO performance is an audio-visual treat, with a dazzling array of instruments, colours and a rich variety of music compositions created especially for the orchestra.
Book a workshop or introduction to Indian music with SAMYO Too An experience of Indian music can be enriching, satisfying and good for your health and well-being too. SAMYO’s talented young musicians are led by world-renowned Conductors
Support Us If you want to play a part in the development of the orchestra and shaping the future of music in Britain, there are many ways you can get involved. You can make a donation, join our Kalanidhi Patrons’ scheme or sponsor an event.
Donations of all sizes are gratefully received and form a value contribution towards helping us to achieve our mission to secure a bright future for SAMYO. You can help encourage the next generation of young musicians to go on to greater things and motivate new audiences from all walks of life to enjoy this rich cultural experience of Indian classical music for many decades to come.
To make a donation, or find out more about our programmes, please contact Milapfest: Email: donate@milapfest.com | Tel: 0151 291 3310
Principal Conductor: Gaurav Mazumdar A widely travelled and vastly experienced performer, Gaurav is an expert of Hindustani music, as well as being well-versed in western and world music collaborations. Having originally mastered the violin, Gaurav went on to further his musical ability with the sitar, and was discovered and tutored by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar . Now a teacher and composer of international repute, Gaurav’s versatility is reflected through numerous collaborations with western musicians such as Daniel Hope, Philip Glass and Kenny Werner. He has composed Music for Ballet and a score entitled ‘Akanksha’ for his concert at the Vatican to celebrate the new Millennium; being the first Indian Musician to perform there.
“SAMYO is doing a great job contributing towards the development of Indian Music in the UK as they go all round the country playing the music and inspiring all sorts of listeners with their high energy and quality” Gaurav Mazumdar, Principal Conductor of SAMYO
“I have learnt a lot about modern and contemporary music as well as Hindustani music so it will help me in semi-classical performances as well as in collaborations with Hindustani and Western artists, something I hope to do!” Raam, current SAMYO member
Contact SAMYO Find SAMYO online at www.milapfest.com/samyo And on Twitter @SAMYO_UK Email: samyo@milapfest.com Tel: 0151 291 3949 Milapfest is Britain’s leading Indian Arts Development Trust, producing world-class performances, education, and artist development opportunities throughout the year. Look out for exciting events in your area - visit our website— www.milapfest.com
MILAPFEST UNITING HEARTS THROUGH ARTS
SAMYO is resident at Liverpool Hope University