Fantasia Orchestra, the dynamic and versatile ensemble of some of the UK’s most promising musicians, is back at Smith Square Hall on Friday 10 April with Between the Raags, a cross-continental experiment that blurs the lines between ancient Indian traditions and Western orchestral grandeur.
Sitar virtuoso Jasdeep Singh Degun joins forces with Fantasia Orchestra for an evening of beautiful and daring sounds. In a move that defies tradition, Degun will perform Rameau’s heart wrenching Baroque aria, “Tristes Apprêts,” on the sitar—a historic first that reimagines French operatic sorrow through the resonant, sympathetic strings of Northern India.
Michael Garvey, Executive Director: “Fantasia Orchestra’s Smith Square Hall residency is all about concerts that surprise and connect with a wide range of people. Each programme is completely unique built around the personalities of our soloists and the diverse breadth of music they love.”
At the heart of the evening is a reimagining of Terry Riley’s In C, a revolutionary 1964 masterpiece known for its hypnotic, pulsing energy. While Riley’s work was originally inspired by the rhythmic structures of Indian classical music, this performance brings the influence full circle, integrating the sitar and tabla directly into the orchestral fabric to create a soundscape that is both unpredictable and deeply rooted.
Alongside these reinventions, the evening will showcase Degun’s own original compositions, which have earned him acclaim for their intricate melodies and lyrical soul.
For young Londoners looking to experience the cutting edge of fusion, this performance offers a rare glimpse into a world where the raga and the symphony don’t just coexist—they dance together.
The concert is the second of four appearances at the Westminster venue as part of Fantasia’s inaugural residency, following the season’s opening night in November featuring Elizabeth Watts and Braimah Kanneh-Mason. The remaining two concerts this season are scheduled for 29 May with Steven Osborne and 3 July with Niamh O’Sullivan. Full programme is available on the event website. Tickets from £15.
Over the past decade, Fantasia has developed a reputation for its imaginative programming, collaborative spirit, and top-level players drawn from across the UK.
Michael Garvey, Executive Director: “Fantasia Orchestra’s Smith Square Hall residency is all about concerts that surprise and connect with a wide range of people. Each programme is completely unique built around the personalities of our soloists and the diverse breadth of music they love.”
Follow Fantasia Orchestra’s on social media @fantasiaorchestra and on fantasiaorchestra.com website for full season details, including tickets and further announcements.
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