Goa's Historic melting Pot Ideal for Global Peace Music Events: Chicago-Based Group

~ Music holds the power to foster global peace and bring various cultures together, shared Carlo Basile and Juan Dies of ‘Surabhi Ensemble’, an award winning world music band, at MOG Sundays. ~ ‘Surabhi Ensemble’ performed at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne on January 8, 2025 and concluded their India tour as a part of their Global Peace tour in Goa.

Music has the power to foster global peace and unite diverse cultures, and Goa’s multiculturalism presents the ideal setting for the display of global music traditions, according to globally celebrated musicians Carlo Basile and Juan Dies. As members of ‘Surabhi Ensemble’, an award-winning world music band based in Chicago, USA, the duo spoke about how their collaborative artistry embodies this vision during the recent MOG Sundays talk at the Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne.

Founded by award-winning Chicago-based veena artiste of Indian origin Saraswathi Ranganathan and

guitarist Carlo Basile, ‘Surabhi Ensemble’ seamlessly blends diverse global musical traditions to promote cross-cultural connections, guided by their vision of ‘#liveasonefamily’. As they toured India as part of their Global Peace Tour ‘Bridging Cultures Through Harmony’, the ensemble brought the vibrancy of global musical cultures to the Museum of Goa on January 8. The ensemble concluded their Indian tour in Goa with five activities .

“Goa seems like the perfect place to conclude our tour in India since it was an important port that welcomed many cultures back in the day. The Museum of Goa also follows in these footsteps. Because of the topography of Goa and the nature of the designs at MOG, I think the museum lends itself to the concept that we're talking of – many cultures coming together,” said Carlo Basile, cofounder of ‘Surabhi Ensemble’ and Spanish acoustic guitarist.

The ‘Surabhi Ensemble’ has travelled across the US, Europe, Africa and Asia to spread the idea of music as a promoter of peace. Incorporating Carnatic ragas, Spanish flamenco, West African drumming, Middle Eastern maqam (a system of melodic modes) and Mexican folk music, the ensemble's performances also seamlessly integrate dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Rajasthani folk and flamenco.

Addressing the challenges of blending such diverse art forms into a single harmonious performance, Mexican guitarist and vocalist of ‘Surabhi Ensemble’ Juan Dies stated, “Knowing when to take the lead role and when to take a supporting role is crucial, and so is listening and not being egotistical. As musicians, we're not just performing and saying things, but sharing important messages and cultural insights.”

The ensemble has performed in various venues worldwide, but performing at a museum marked a significant milestone for them.

“When you experience art at a museum or an art gallery, you feel better about yourself and the world. That is what art is supposed to do. And I think that's what we want our Goan audience to take away from our performances here,” concluded Basile.