A Joyous Fiesta

Updated on: Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Kolkata Center of Trinity College of Music, London, celebrated its 125th anniversary at Kala Mandir recently. A musical extravaganza was organised to celebrate this special day, keeping in mind the traditional and authentic harmony of Western classical music. The occasion was graced by the presence of Sarah Kemp, chief executive, Trinity College London; Nick Keyworth, chief examiner of Music, Trinity College London; Sujata Sen, director, East India, British Council; and Jyotishka Dasgupta, regional head for Eastern India, Trinity College London. Heads of the other main regions in India and many other eminent personalities associated with the world of Western classical music circuit of the city were also presented at this big day.

After Trinity College of Music’s inception in 1872, the Kolkata Centre was the first one to be opened outside the UK in 1886. Today the college conducts assessments over 60 countries across the world, with the objective to help people to communicate through various art forms, be it music, drama, etc. In 2010, Trinity performed over 36,000 assessments throughout India. Known for its dynamic approach and a practical syllabus, this international institution has been examiners to legends like RD Burman and AR Rahman. With time, the trend for pursuing Western classical music has risen. A classical instrument performance requires a level of technical mastery on the part of a musician, and Trinity College of Music is constantly at work to maintain this standard.

The celebration had an hour-long cultural programme. Sixteen selected students from the Kolkata centre performed individually in various disciplines like guitar, violin, piano, keyboards, drum kit, as well as drama and speech, and mesmerised the guests and audience equally. The teachers of the centre were felicitated by Trinity College with certificates for being the people who polish the immense talent the city holds till they shine.

There is no way of know if the people who started the Kolkata centre in 1886 had ever thought it would be celebrating its 125th anniversary today, but if they had any such dreams, they have come true with pomp and splendour.

A Joyous Fiesta

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