Tribute to Monica Bonnie

This must be first time that I am skipping the blog sequence. After that Stag the next major thing in my life is my marriage, but for this once I am going to write something down latest. My good friend Anthony is a DJ as well as a Bodhran player. Its a traditional Irish instrument and he does play it well. I have heard him talk about his teacher; 'Monica Bonnie' for the fact that she was a trend setter in early 70's and that she married an Indian brain surgeon.

She was extremely a down to earth person accepting students from all backgrounds doing her best teaching music. Its unfortunate that Ireland lost her early this year. The students and the DIT college got together and decided to put a tribute performance for her. My good friend reserved a seat for me and there I was all set to experience the first concert. The house was full and then the music began,and what a start it was!! The conductor took everyone to the ambiance instantly with "Carmina Burana ~ O Fortuna". Its the theme music of the 'old spice' after shave ad that aired in India when were kids. hair on the back of my neck stood on ends!.

Awesome is a word that would not describe my experience in totality.Then came the opera singers and god did they sing. Especially the lady singer brought out notes that seemed impossible for a human.

If a wine glass shattered anywhere in the room, I would not be surprised. Harp is a instrument that I have never seen other than in pictures. The first impression of that wonderful instrument will last for a long time in my memory. Even the way its being played is so elegant.The music is heavenly. Imagine four of them being played simultaneously!! What a TREAT!.The Indian goddesses have the "Veena" and the Irish gods have the Harp. That how I see it.I just wish I could touch its strings once.

The Traditional Irish music was put on next, with Banjos, bagpipes, Harps, trumpets, clarinet, Bodhran and everything else. It definitely gets ones' foot tapping. Very unique and very enjoyable to set up a very happy mood. A groovy composition by Carols Santana was performed,it was made all the more interesting because the singer tutored the audience with the lyrics and we all had to sing along with. TO make good music we do not need many instruments is what two very pretty girls proved. with just the Bodhran and a flute they did play an ancient Italian medieval tune which got the crown going. Simple yet fantastic. The grand Finale was that the whole band came together. All ex-pupils and current came down including the good old teachers son who played the drums. .The percussion instruments dominating the ambience, To see so many playing these magnificent instruments was definitely an experience of a life time. I enjoyed the evening very much in company of my friends company. I hope this is one of the first of a long line up of Concerts that I will go to, because for me Music is Divine!

For more pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150476926909540.418934.651679539&type=1&l=2e13c5f5b3