The piano, renowned for its wide range of notes, frequencies, and volumes, is one of the most sought-after musical instruments. Its versatility allows it to be used across various styles, including classical, jazz, rock, country, folk, pop, soul, gospel, and hip-hop. Additionally, the piano serves as an excellent accompaniment for soloists. To highlight the instrument’s unique qualities and the brilliance of its players, the Brillante Piano Festival is making its debut in Bengaluru this weekend. This multi-genre festival, which originated in Nagaland, has evolved into a nationwide music movement dedicated to celebrating the richness of musical expression within the community.
Lydian Nadhaswaram
Hailing from Chennai, Lydian Nadhaswaram began performing on the drums at the age of two and taught himself to play the piano by eight. A student of Augustine Paul, the music director of the century-old Madras Musical Association Choir, Lydian is set to debut as a film composer with the Malayalam-language fantasy film Barroz.
When asked about his performance plans for the Brillante Piano Festival, Lydian shared, “I’ll be performing a blend of western classical and jazz as a solo piece. To close, my sister and I will present a classical fusion piece, showcasing our synergy and love for fusion music.”
Regarding his choice of instrument, Lydian expressed, “The piano has always been special for me. It allows me to express a wide range of emotions and styles. From the precision of classical music to the improvisational freedom of jazz, the piano feels like an extension of my voice, making it a natural choice for performances like this.”
As for future projects, he mentioned, “I’m currently working on an Indian Fusion album titled Celestials, collaborating with legendary Grammy-winning musicians. Additionally, my sister and I are working on an epic Tamil project, Thirukkural 1330, which involves collaborating with 1,000 singers worldwide. Both projects are very close to my heart and represent exciting new directions in my musical journey.”
Aman Mahajan
Aman Mahajan, a Bengaluru-based pianist and composer, is recognized for his crossover solo and collaborative work. He views improvisational music as a means of interaction, expression, and exchange, drawing inspiration from a rich blend of traditional and contemporary forms.
When asked what the audience can expect from him at the festival, Aman stated, “I’ll be playing a few pieces from Refuge, my first album, which explores ideas of home and pays homage to inward journeys.”
On why he chose the piano, Aman admitted, “I always wanted to be a drummer! However, I’m drawn to melodic expression and experimenting with harmony. The piano is the only instrument that allows me to live in these three roles simultaneously.”
Looking ahead, he shared, “I have started work on my next album, which will be released in 2025, themed around mental and emotional wellness.”
Marouan Benabdallah
Marouan Benabdallah is a leading representative of Morocco on the international concert stage, with a musical heritage rooted in the Hungarian tradition. He received formal training at the Béla Bartók Conservatory and the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. Marouan gained international attention in 2003 after triumphing at the Hungarian Radio Piano Competition and the Andorra Grand Prize.
When asked about his performance for the festival, Marouan noted, “I am planning to present a varied program, including Spanish Dances by Enrique Granados and the Second Hungarian Rhapsody by Franz Liszt.”
Regarding his choice of the piano, he explained, “It was never really a question. We had a piano at home, and my mother gave piano lessons, so I was drawn to the instrument from my earliest childhood. I never considered any other instrument.”
As for his future endeavors, Marouan shared, “I am always working on new pieces! Exactly ten years ago, I initiated the Arabæsque Music Project, dedicated to researching Arab composers of western classical music. This ongoing research has revealed a vast body of work composed by over 130 composers from various countries across the Arab world. The project has received tremendous success with audiences globally.”
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