The anticipation was palpable for the Indian premiere of F.J. Haydn’s esteemed oratorio, ‘The Creation’, presented by the Madras Guild of Performing Arts (MGPA) in collaboration with the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo (GMSC). This event marked GMSC’s maiden international tour, bringing an unforgettable evening highlighting the melding of cultural aesthetics and musical brilliance.
The Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall was abuzz with energy, filled with excited whispers that hinted at the breathtaking musical journey about to unfold. A diverse audience of both seasoned listeners and new enthusiasts filled the venue, eager to experience the grandeur of Haydn’s masterpiece—a remarkable depiction of creation as inspired by the Biblical Genesis and Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’.
Guiding this exceptional performance was Atul Jacob Isaac, the conductor of MGPA. His passion and expertise in the Viennese style of conducting were instrumental in breathing life into Haydn’s complex and majestic score. “My training in Vienna allowed me to understand the nuances of composers from this century,” Isaac shared. “It was an honor to channel that learning into this performance alongside a highly skilled choir and orchestra.”
The evening commenced with ‘The Representation of Chaos’, a sonic exploration capturing the universe’s formative moments. The orchestra delivered a rich soundscape that swelled with the ebb and flow of creation’s emergence. The strings hummed softly, brass announced boldly, and woodwinds swirled, creating an intricate musical narrative.
Among the notable moments was the transformation from C Minor to C Major on the word “light”, executed with resplendent brilliance. This transition brought the full ensemble together, creating a spectacular moment as the stage lights blazed to full brightness in synchrony with the choir’s crescendo on “And there was light”, a directorial touch thoughtfully added by Isaac to enhance the dramatic impact of the scene.
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Showcasing stellar talents, soprano Kristina Ammattil, graced the stage by embodying both Gabriel and Eve, her voice weaving a tapestry of grace and power. Tenor Ramon Branch Biescas as Uriel, brought clarity and emotion to his portrayal, while baritone Maximilian Catalano’s nuanced performances as Raphael and Adam offered depth and authority. Together, they forged a narrative dense with drama and beauty that captivated the audience.
A striking cross-cultural homage concluded the performance with the encore piece ‘Danno Budunge’. This celebrated Sri Lankan composition, which acclaimed the ancient city of Anuradhapura, was masterfully arranged by Manilal Weerakoon. A blending of Western classical influences with the heritage sounds of Sri Lanka and India, it was a perfect epitome of the collaborative spirit that defined the night.
Srimal Weerasinghe, the conductor for GMSC, reflected on the wider significance of such musical collaborations, emphasizing the celebration of shared human connections and music’s unifying power that transcends linguistic and geographical boundaries.
The concert shed light on pertinent discussions regarding Chennai’s musical landscape. It raised questions about nurturing a deeper appreciation for Western classical music while celebrating indigenous traditions. What role do these international collaborations play in bridging cultural divides and enriching local artistic expressions?
Recognized pianist Anil Srinivasan, a pivotal figure in Chennai’s music scene, commented on cultivating this burgeoning interest: “It’s crucial to democratize the listening experience via community engagements, demonstrations, and workshops. Through these initiatives, Western classical teachers should encourage their students to participate in and engage with performances.”
Reflecting on the premiere, Isaac expressed hopes that this performance imparted a lasting appreciation for Haydn’s final masterpiece. “Whether experienced or novice, this oratorio is bound to resonate within your soul,” he noted confidently, summarizing the night’s majestic achievement in bringing Haydn’s visionary work to life.
The premiere of ‘The Creation’ by the MGPA and GMSC not only set a new cultural milestone in India but also reinforced the timeless veracity of music as a universal language—a conduit for connection and a mirror of humanity’s shared artistic aspirations.
