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United News of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Italian duos' Ravi Shankar piece at pre-Biennale concert wins huge applause
Kochi, July 19 (UNI) Half a century after maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar composed the iconic L'Aube enchantée (The Enchanted Dawn) as a two-instrument score in Raaga Todi, Tommaso Benciolini and Lorenzo Bernardi, two young musicians from Italy performed the 11-minute composition during a flute-and-guitar concert in the city. Flautist Benciolini blew out softly the morning melody while Bernardi plucked the strings of his guitar to further enhance the pathos of the classical notes tuned by the legendary sitarist in 1976. The piece won special applause at the gathering in Mattancherry, where the visiting duo presented a 75-minute performance, jointly organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) and the Italian Cultural Institute, as part of the lead-up to the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale. At the Indian Chamber of Commerce building, Tommaso and Bernardi tuned on an electronic tanpura ahead of playing L'Aube enchantée that evolved out of a meeting Ravi Shankar (1920-2012) had with French flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal and his compatriot Alexandre Lagoya (guitarist) in the mid-1970s. 'Of late, nine months ago, as we knew of this India trip coming, Lorenzo and I did some research, wanting to present an item for the audiences in this country,' said 34-year-old Tommaso, adding that they have been playing the piece in all venues of late. The duo's Kerala programme, titled 'Echoes of Italy' came after their concerts in Delhi, Lucknow and Dimapur in Nagaland. L'Aube enchantée begins with a brief alaap sketching the scale of the poignant Todi, largely developed by Mian Tansen who sang in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. As Benciolini and Bernardi rolled out the piece, which was a part of the trans-continental 'East Meets West' album conceived by Ravi Shankar, the audience on Friday evening listened in rapt attention, only to explode in loud cheers at the end of the performance. The pair next contrasted the dawn raga with 'Nightfall', a contemporary composition known for its simplicity. Tuned in a minor scale that partly corresponds with the Indian classical raga Keeravani, the piece known for its minimalist brilliance is composed by Italian Roberto Di Marino, now 69. This came after a three-movement sonatina composed by New York-based Marco Beltrami known for his association with Hollywood and TV scores in America. 'This carries a lot of inner dialogue,' said Bernardi. The concert began with an Italian overture that used to typically open the operas during the Enlightenment period. The longest among the pieces the duo performed was a 22-minute centrepiece by 20th-century Argentine Tango composer Astor Piazolla of Italian descent. The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, titled 'For the Time Being', will be a 110-day show opening on December 12. Curated by artist Nikhil Chopra with HH Art Spaces, an artist-led organisation based out of Goa, the biennale will conclude on March 31, 2026. UNI DS GNK
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Italian maestros Bernardi and Benciolini to perform in city on Sunday
1 2 3 Pune: Italian virtuosos guitarist Lorenzo Bernardi and flautist Tommaso Benciolini are all set to bring their celebrated international collaboration to the city with Echoes of Italy: The Italian Essence. Known for their technical mastery and poetic interpretations, they have performed across prestigious venues, from New York's Carnegie Hall to the Mozarteum in Salzburg. The concert, organized by Istituto Italiano di Cultura (IIC), Mumbai, and Poona Music Society, brings together the Italian soul of music with reflections on landscape and migration. "This programme traces Italian identity through music shaped by landscape and migration — from Rossini's regional vitality to Castelnuovo-Tedesco's American exile and Piazzolla's Italian-rooted tango. Ravi Shankar's L'aube enchantée completes the arc, honouring India's voice in this cultural exchange," said Bernardi. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune For Benciolini, the Italian essence lies in "our lyrical instinct and structural creativity". "The idea is to renovate without losing emotional clarity. Even our contemporary piece by Andrea Battistoni, written especially for us and premiering in India, follows this principle," said Benciolini. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Both musicians are known for chamber work. Bernardi, who collaborated with mandolinist Carlo Aonzo and violinist Saverio Gabrielli, said ensemble playing transforms the role of the guitar. "In solo, the guitar stands on its own, but in chamber music, it blends and supports. With the flute, it creates a warm, intimate sound rooted in the 19th-century salon tradition. Segovia's 20th-century revival inspired composers like Castelnuovo-Tedesco — an influence that lives on in our programme," said Bernardi. Benciolini believes that the legacy of performance venues isn't a burden. "Performing where legends once stood, like Carnegie Hall, with posters of Mahler and Dvořák, drives me to give it my all on stage. That legacy fuels deeper, more emotionally charged performances." Both musicians credit teaching with shaping their own understanding of music. Bernardi, who judged and taught at institutions across Europe, Asia, and the US, finds "promising energy" in countries where the guitar is still growing as a classical instrument. "In places like India, I'm struck by the curiosity and dedication of young guitarists. There's a real sensitivity to the expressive side of the repertoire, an instinctive grasp of legato phrasing and cantabile lines. It gives me confidence that the instrument's future is being shaped by voices from different corners of the world." For Benciolini, who began teaching at the age of 21, the exchange with students across cultures reinforced the complexity of musical learning. "Teaching constantly reminds me how much inspiration works both ways," he said. "Music is deeply psychophysical. It's about learning how to think while playing. And that only becomes clear through real dialogue with each student's way of responding," said Benciolini. The duo is thrilled to perform for the city's "discerning" audiences. "Performing in India is always special. The audience's warmth, curiosity, and attentiveness create a rare openness to the emotional storytelling in Italian music. It feels like a true cultural exchange," said Bernardi. The programme will be held on July 20 at Mazda Hall, Camp. Pune: Italian virtuosos guitarist Lorenzo Bernardi and flautist Tommaso Benciolini are all set to bring their celebrated international collaboration to the city with Echoes of Italy: The Italian Essence. Known for their technical mastery and poetic interpretations, they have performed across prestigious venues, from New York's Carnegie Hall to the Mozarteum in Salzburg. The concert, organized by Istituto Italiano di Cultura (IIC), Mumbai, and Poona Music Society, brings together the Italian soul of music with reflections on landscape and migration. "This programme traces Italian identity through music shaped by landscape and migration — from Rossini's regional vitality to Castelnuovo-Tedesco's American exile and Piazzolla's Italian-rooted tango. Ravi Shankar's L'aube enchantée completes the arc, honouring India's voice in this cultural exchange," said Bernardi. For Benciolini, the Italian essence lies in "our lyrical instinct and structural creativity". "The idea is to renovate without losing emotional clarity. Even our contemporary piece by Andrea Battistoni, written especially for us and premiering in India, follows this principle," said Benciolini. Both musicians are known for chamber work. Bernardi, who collaborated with mandolinist Carlo Aonzo and violinist Saverio Gabrielli, said ensemble playing transforms the role of the guitar. "In solo, the guitar stands on its own, but in chamber music, it blends and supports. With the flute, it creates a warm, intimate sound rooted in the 19th-century salon tradition. Segovia's 20th-century revival inspired composers like Castelnuovo-Tedesco — an influence that lives on in our programme," said Bernardi. Benciolini believes that the legacy of performance venues isn't a burden. "Performing where legends once stood, like Carnegie Hall, with posters of Mahler and Dvořák, drives me to give it my all on stage. That legacy fuels deeper, more emotionally charged performances." Both musicians credit teaching with shaping their own understanding of music. Bernardi, who judged and taught at institutions across Europe, Asia, and the US, finds "promising energy" in countries where the guitar is still growing as a classical instrument. "In places like India, I'm struck by the curiosity and dedication of young guitarists. There's a real sensitivity to the expressive side of the repertoire, an instinctive grasp of legato phrasing and cantabile lines. It gives me confidence that the instrument's future is being shaped by voices from different corners of the world." For Benciolini, who began teaching at the age of 21, the exchange with students across cultures reinforced the complexity of musical learning. "Teaching constantly reminds me how much inspiration works both ways," he said. "Music is deeply psychophysical. It's about learning how to think while playing. And that only becomes clear through real dialogue with each student's way of responding," said Benciolini. The duo is thrilled to perform for the city's "discerning" audiences. "Performing in India is always special. The audience's warmth, curiosity, and attentiveness create a rare openness to the emotional storytelling in Italian music. It feels like a true cultural exchange," said Bernardi. The programme will be held on July 20 at Mazda Hall, Camp.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
At least three dead as ‘truly violent' rainstorms flood holiday hotspot French Riviera turning towns in ‘warzones'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THREE people have died and two people are missing after heavy rains and thunderstorms have battered southern France. The rains have flooded entire streets, causing power and water outages and widespread destruction - as hundreds of rescuers have rushed to the region famous for seeing 300 days of sunshine. 6 Severe thunderstorms and flooding have caused deaths in the Var region of southern France Credit: Reuters 6 Muddy floodwaters are seen running down a street in Vidauban - one of the worst-affected communes Credit: Reuters 6 Around 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes have been sent to the region Credit: AFP The rainfall hit Var - a region located in the southeast of France and part of the French Riviera - on Tuesday. A couple in their eighties died after their car was swept away by floodwaters in the seaside town of Le Lavandou, France 24 reported. The woman's body was found trapped inside the wreck, an public prosecutor in Toulon told AFP. A third person drowned in their vehicle in the commune of Vidauban, according to the gendarmerie. Read more on France MAIS OUI Swap Paris for affordable and pretty city known as 'the beer capital of France' A local official pulled the driver out of her vehicle but the passenger inside could not be saved. Both French communes were among the worst-affected by the storms, with Gil Bernardi, mayor of Le Lavandou, describing "scenes of war" left behind. Bernardi said: "It was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon." He added: "The roads, the bridges, the paving stones, there is no more electricity, water, or wastewater treatment plant. "The shock is significant because the phenomenon is truly violent and incomprehensible. "As we speak, an entire part of the commune is inaccessible." 6 Foreign Sec David Lammy shouted 'f***ing French' at me during furious row over taxi fare - I was afraid, claims driver There were reportedly power and water outages in the town of Cavaliere where 250mm fell in the space of one hour. A parking lot also collapsed in the town, leading to dozens of people being rescued by authorities. Around 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes have reportedly been deployed in Var. The total rainfall exceeded 10cm as of 10am local time, according to Meteo-France. The weather agency placed the region under an orange alert for rain, flooding and thunderstorms. A day earlier, hailstorms and heavy rain hit southwestern France, causing destruction. The rainfall flooded homes, damaged railway tracks and forced hundreds aboard a high-speed TGV train to evacuate in the middle of the night. The train's track had reportedly become dislodged after rainfall caused the ground to subside. It comes as parts of southern and southeastern Spain were hit by major storms last week. Almería, Murcia, Granada, parts of the Costa Blanca and the popular British hotspot of Benidorm were among the regions battered by the storms. In a village in Murcia, 37 litres of rain per square metre reportedly fell in just 30 minutes, causing sudden flash floods. 6 A damaged car is seen on a mud-covered street in Le Lavandou Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
At least three dead as ‘truly violent' rainstorms flood holiday hotspot French Riviera turning towns in ‘warzones'
THREE people have died and two people are missing after heavy rains and thunderstorms have battered southern France. The rains have flooded entire streets, causing power and water outages and widespread destruction - as hundreds of rescuers have rushed to the region famous for seeing 300 days of sunshine. 6 Severe thunderstorms and flooding have caused deaths in the Var region of southern France Credit: Reuters 6 Muddy floodwaters are seen running down a street in Vidauban - one of the worst-affected communes Credit: Reuters 6 Around 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes have been sent to the region Credit: AFP The rainfall hit Var - a region located in the southeast of France and part of the French Riviera - on Tuesday. A couple in their eighties died after their car was swept away by floodwaters in the seaside town of Le Lavandou, France 24 reported. The woman's body was found trapped inside the wreck, an public prosecutor in Toulon told AFP. A third person drowned in their vehicle in the commune of Vidauban, according to the gendarmerie. Read more on France A local official pulled the driver out of her vehicle but the passenger inside could not be saved. Both French communes were among the worst-affected by the storms, with Gil Bernardi, mayor of Le Lavandou, describing "scenes of war" left behind. Bernardi said: "It was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon." He added: "The roads, the bridges, the paving stones, there is no more electricity, water, or wastewater treatment plant. Most read in The Sun "The shock is significant because the phenomenon is truly violent and incomprehensible. "As we speak, an entire part of the commune is inaccessible." 6 Foreign Sec David Lammy shouted 'f***ing French' at me during furious row over taxi fare - I was afraid, claims driver There were reportedly power and water outages in the town of Cavaliere where 250mm fell in the space of one hour. A parking lot also collapsed in the town, leading to dozens of people being rescued by authorities. Around 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes have reportedly been deployed in Var. The total rainfall exceeded 10cm as of 10am local time, according to Meteo-France. The weather agency placed the region under an orange alert for rain, flooding and thunderstorms. A day earlier, hailstorms and heavy rain hit southwestern France, causing destruction. The rainfall flooded homes, damaged railway tracks and forced hundreds aboard a high-speed TGV train to evacuate in the middle of the night. The train's track had reportedly become dislodged after rainfall caused the ground to subside. It comes as parts of southern and southeastern Spain were . Almería, Murcia, Granada, parts of the Costa Blanca and the popular British hotspot of Benidorm were among the regions battered by the storm s. In a village in Murcia, 37 litres of rain per square metre reportedly fell in just 30 minutes, causing sudden flash floods. 6 A damaged car is seen on a mud-covered street in Le Lavandou Credit: AFP 6 A building in Le Levandou is seen damaged by flooding
