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GOA: THE BIRTH-PANGS ARE THERE, BUT AN ORCHESTRA IS SOON TO BE BORN Goa means delays and difficulties. But determination can see things through. Nigel Dixon, a British musician and son-in-law of Goa, is currently in the process of giving the finishing touches to the Goa State Strings Orchestra. "Originally, we planned to start off in January (2002), straight after 'The Messiah' performance last December. But there were delays," says he. The good news is that his dream-plan is getting going, says Dixon, as he makes an appeal for help from those who believe such a venture should showcase Goa's multifaceted musical talent. Dixon (52) studied music in the University of Durham and is a former choir member of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Excerpts from an interview with FREDERICK NORONHA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:~ FN: What stage is you plan at presently? The orchestra is presently rehearsing for its August 14 debut. There has been an excellent response from corporates so far approached and private individuals. Funds already coming in which is very good news seeing that nobody has heard the orchestra as yet!! Concert bookings post Aug 14 are also materialising. FN: What's your view of classical music talent in Goa? As I have said often in the press, there is excellent talent here in Goa. The problem is opportunity and experience. That is what the orchestra is designed to create. FN: What are the 'broken links' in making things happen? No broken links detected so far. This why everything is so encouraging. FN: What are the three strongest points Goan classical music has in its favour? Access to music tuition in certain instruments. The innate musicality that Goans have. Sorry -- cannot think of a third at present!!! FN: What are the three weakest aspects? Susegad attitude -- i.e. lack of commitment. Geographical isolation from major Western classical music centres. The limit of instrumental interest -- i.e. plenty of takers for the violin, piano, guitar and voice but what of all the other instruments? This severely limits the repertoire available for performance. FN: Why did you choose Goa to put your energies in? Came to Goa because of my wife's family links, and, believe it or not, for a less stressful lifestyle!! However, once a performing musician always a performing musician and love the challenge of creating something which is not already available. FN: Can radio help the classical world? How? Classical music on radio is *vital* as it is the only means to introduce the Western music repertoire to local populace. Availability of WCM recordings is virtually zero in Goa and frankly not much better in Mumbai -- particularly of up-to-date performances. This why the (recent reduction of) classical music broadcasts is such a tragedy. Of all music broadcast, WCM is most dependent on high quality FM Stereo broadcasting - 'A' channel just will not do. FN: What will the strings orchestra look like? It will have 13 players, four first-violins, four second-violins, two violas, two cellos and a double-bass. FN: How could expats help out? By giving money! A small amount by foreign standards goes a long way in local currency terms. The whole orchestra can operate on the equivalent of a single person's salary in London or USA. FN: What are the long-term goals? To bring up younger people. To hit the national stage, initially and the international stage eventually. We would like to play a series of concerts in season, at very special and unusual locations. Maybe at a museum or an old Portuguese house, or the ruins of a fort. Musicians here don't realise how good they are... or, should I say, how good they could be. FOOTNOTE: Nigel Dixon can be contacted via email [EMAIL PROTECTED] =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
