Samyo’s 10 Year Anniversary

Orchestras aren’t commonplace in Indian classical music – but the UK is home to a ground-breaking orchestra, and the only one of its kind in the world.

SAMYO is the National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music, and this year it celebrates 10 years since a group of young British-born musicians first came together to redefine a genre and create an entirely new sound in Indian music. On Saturday 16 March 2012 at Southbank Centre, London, the orchestra celebrates this milestone with a special anniversary concert.

In this concert, SAMYO10, the orchestra traces its decade-long journey, exploring its roots in traditional raga music through to more contemporary repertoire featuring bold themes and experimental cross-genre collaborations.

The programme features a special guest appearance by the National Youth Jazz Collective, and a brand new arrangement of a Western classical piece.

It also features a selection of works by some of India’s most famous contemporary composers, including Lalgudi GJR Krishnan, Gaurav Mazumdar and Ranajit Sengupta, all of which have been specially composed and arranged for the orchestra. These world-renowned contemporary classical musicians have contributed compositions that challenge and ignite the orchestra as it continues to surprise, push boundaries and experiment – always playing Indian music as you’ve never heard it before.

SAMYO10 takes place on Saturday, March 16th at the Southbank Centre in London. Tickets cost between £7.50 and £12.50 (+ booking fee). Click here to purchase tickets for the event. 

Have a listen to "Thillana Cubana" by Samyo, taken from their 2010 "TRIBUTES" CD: