‘Raga Pianist’ Utsav Lal has enthralled audiences worldwide with his soulful sound of piano. He is a Dublin-based 20-year-old classical and Jazz pianist who gave his debut solo piano concert in New Delhi, India at the age of 9 with a unique repertoire of Indian music compositions. His musical training has encompassed three diverse genres of Western Classical, Indian Classical and Jazz.
At the age of 16, Lal’s debut Indian Classical Ragas Piano album titled ‘Piano Moods of Indian Ragas’ was launched in September 2008.Two other albums titled ‘Ragas dance off Piano keys’ and ‘Ragas al Pianoforte’ are live recording of his concerts.
In February 2010, Lal was officially recognized as a ‘Young Steinway Artist’ and named on the worldwide artist roster of leading piano makers, Steinway & Sons. His USA debut was at the prestigious John F Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, Washington DC on March 2011 under the support of Maximum India Festival which staged the top performing artists from India ranging from rock to ragas.
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He recently performed in Blue Frog in Delhi and will be performing in Mumbai at the annual Kala Ghoda Art festival on 9 February.
Excerpts:
In an era of rock and pop music, why did you have the inclination to move on the path of classical music?
My fascination for piano came very early and way before my foray into Indian Classical music. In the initial years while I played both Western Classical and Indian film music on the piano, it was strong classical based Indian film compositions that first introduced me to the challenge of playing Indian classical music on the piano. As I got deeper into it, the power and challenge of the music completely overwhelmed me. This coupled with the fact that there were loads of Western Classical Piano records available, but nothing for Indian Classical Piano made me determined to explore this new path. I believe Indian Classical Music is the most evolved form of musical expression and it’s the genre that gives me most satisfaction.
At a young age, you started live performances how do you think you have grown with every performance?
I’ve been playing the piano and performing for the last 13 years. Over the years, along with performing concerts, I have intensified the depth of my exploration and undergone advanced training in the areas of Western Classical, Indian Classical and jazz on the piano. Pursuit of music is an endless journey and I think you grow by miles each day if you stay focused on trial, exploration and learning.
How have you balanced studies and your musical career?
Fortunately for me the tryst between academic school studies and music which often presented conflicts is now over. When I was in school there were some challenges to be faced .However, I think that the piano actually helped me with memory and sharpened my brain as I always managed to do well in studies. Now, of course since the last three years, I am in a music college pursuing a degree in jazz and training in western classical piano, so its music theory, practice, music history, gigs 24/7. There is some amount of juggling I need between my Jazz and Indian Classical focus, but it seems to be moving along well.
Are you planning of take up music as your full-time career or you like to take up something else as your profession?
Music, it is full time for me. Performing and eventually a lot more of composing and maybe even teaching.
Which was your memorable performance so far?
For the last two years, I have been performing in The Netherlands for Guru Purnima celebrations at the Maharishi Vedic University. The audience comprises of over 1000 people from diverse nationalities who converge there for world meditation workshops.
It is the most enriching and soul satisfying performing experience for me, as the concert is held in magical settings with a floating stage on a pond in the middle of a forest. The positive vibrations from the audience, who love Gandharva music is a huge stimulant to creativity and inspires me to play and connect deeply with my music. I have received so much love from people who have come to my concert and feel blessed and overwhelmed with the power of Indian Classical Music.
Which are your favorite songs you like to play in Piano?
Raga Bihag
What is the other kind of music you enjoy apart from classical? and why?
I enjoy all kinds of music but apart from Classical both western and Indian, I listen to a lot of Folk and Jazz.
How was your experience being a part of an Irish band?
Super. We did a lot of gigs in Ireland including the Electric Picnic and Oxeygen Festival. The band members are amazingly talented musicians and we wrote some excellent music collectively. They remain my close friends and we stay in touch.
What is the difference between solo and band performances?
In a band you have to listen and react to what other people are playing and in solo you have complete freedom. In a band you get ideas from others and inspired by what they play, while in a solo performance you have to depend on your own self for creativity. Both have their own appeal and charm.
If it was not piano which is the other instrument you would have played?
Some kind of percussion instrument or maybe a Rudra Veena
You have almost toured half the world, after Kala Ghoda which is your next destination?
Back to Glasgow, I have a couple of Jazz gigs coming up and then a ragas performance in Manchester in May.
Are you working to publish or compose any of your original compositions, do you have any plans?
Writing music is a part of my course and I am working on several original compositions. At the moment I have no plans to publish them.
