Why Hum?

 

As the world passes through a turbulent phase with rising intolerance, violence, terrorism and divisions among human beings, the one unifying force that can heal the world is truly Music. The seven notes of music have a universal appeal about them and transcend all the false borders that separate us.

It is this enormous power of music that inspired the Grammy award nominated Tabla Maestro Sandeep Das to bring together top-notch artists from different parts of the globe in a unique collaboration. Thus was born ‘HUM’ –an organization that strives for Harmony and Universality through the idiom of Music.

Sandeep’s collaboration with the celebrated Cellist of international repute, Yo Yo Ma on the famed ‘Silk Road Ensemble’ for the last 10 years spurred him to create HUM and ‘bring the world back to India…’ In his own words:

“Having performed and composed music for Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and having had the added experience of performing and composing for 19 years with the best of artists that India has produced, I felt it is time I did something to carry forward Yo Yo Ma’s unique idea of connecting the world’s neighbourhoods again— through music and other art forms. I strongly believe that in current times one cannot live insulated lives anymore and the more we care about and share one another’s treasures, the better it is.’

Activities planned

‘HUM’ has envisioned the creation of a common platform in India for artists of the highest caliber from across the world to share their music, tradition and heritage and facilitate an interaction among them. It hopes to showcase excellence in ‘Global Music’ to discerning audiences across various cities of India through concert presentations.

A  fulfillment of these lofty objectives was through The World Premier Concert of the collaboration on the 7^th of March 2010 (Sunday) @ Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. And on the 10th of March @ Birla Sabhagar, Kolkata.This maiden concert  brought Sandeep Das and his group of young Indian musicians together with internationally acclaimed musicians from various countries namely Spain, China & The United States of America.

These maiden concert would be followed by concerts in other leading cities of India soon.

Some other activities being planned on an on-going basis thereafter:

1. Conduct workshops for young students of music and give them an opportunity to perform with musicians from various countries. This would both inspire and involve young minds from India and introduce them to the nuances of music from various countries.
2. Offer a helping hand to ageing artists who have no financial source of support for medical facilities.
3. Have Residencies where these artists could work, live and interact with students on a real time basis in several leading educational institutions of India.
4. Provide scholarships, awards and performance opportunities for young talents.
5. Take the ensemble to other countries so that in future these young artists continue to enrich the world with what they have learnt.
6. Conduct corporate workshops to share the experiences and challenges of cross-cultural collaboration and team-building.
7. Involve specially-abled and underprivileged children of India; expose them to the richness of this music and provide the talented among them opportunities to perform with these internationally acclaimed artists after suitable training.

 

 

WHAT THEY SAY

Celebrated Cellist Yo-Yo man and renowned vocalist of our times Smt Shubha Mudgal have this to say about ‘HUM’ and its endeavors:

“Cross cultural collaborations featuring Indian music and Indian musicians are not new. But it must be mentioned that most of these collaborations are initiated by non Indian musicians curious to explore the complex music systems of India. HUM, initiated by tabla player and composer Sandeep Das therefore comes as a welcome change wherein an Indian musician steers and anchors a cross cultural music project. As a student of music and an avid listener, I look forward eagerly to the many sounds, compositions and musical experiences that HUM will bring to India shortly. “-Shubha Mudgal

HUM ensemble is very thankful to Shubha Mudgal ji for her tremendous support and advise on all matters. She has never tired of our constant queries and frantic calls for help! Thank you from Sandeep and his team!

 

“I love the title HUM because, not only does it mean “we” in Hindi, but it describes what Sandeep does when he plays the tabla – he makes the tabla talk, sing, and hum!  I am so happy and grateful that Sandeep has created this initiative.  With his great communication skills, his artistry, and his humility, as Sandeep spreads harmony through music he will also be spreading the great values that creative collaboration brings.”  - Yo-Yo Ma

It is  the path shown by Yo-Yo Ma that Sandeep Das decided to move forward on in his own little way. HUM ensemble and Sandeep Das thank him for giving this world a chance!

Contact

 

161,United Apts.
Sec-4, Plot-34, Dwarka
New Delhi 110078
Tel: +91 11 455 42 675
Email:contact@humensemble.com
http://www.humensemble.com

Come! Be a part of a milestone venture in global music!