'An Affair to' remeber' songs of love and estrangement

Start Date : 14^th April 2018

Ms. Ashmitha Jasper, Piano

ASHMITHA JASPER showed an interest in music very early in life, prompting her parents to introduce her to classical music. She began formal piano classes when she turned six. Her classical training opened up opportunities in other aspects of her life. On special occasions, she also performed solo piano recitals at various school level competitions and won many of them. During college she regularly performed at cultural festivals and at different music venues. Amidst all of these, she continued to stay focused on her classical training and eventually appeared for her ATCL by the age of 19 and passed the exam.

She soon became associated with the Delhi School of Music, which expanded her horizons. In this open and creative environment, she was given an opportunity to work closely with the Korean Cultural Centre for their Dream Project (2016) concert, and performed a two piano work "Sonata in D major" by Mozart. She also has accompanied one of Delhi's oldest and best known choirs-the Delhi Christian Chorus, for their annual Christmas concert in 2013. Taking advantage of the collaborative environment that the Delhi School of Music presents, she teamed up with her colleague in the vocal department and put together an ensemble of students and teachers. The ensemble practiced for six months, putting together an eclectic set of songs ranging from the classical Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus to a rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. The ensemble performed to a packed auditorium at the National Science centre to a very appreciative audience." It was during this time that she also discovered she had a passion for teaching. Nurturing the love of classical music in her pupils, helping them express themselves through music, and watching them grow musically became a passionate pursuit.

Mr. Diganta Choudhury, Baritone, piano

Diganta Choudhury began studying music at twelve while he was a student at St.Paul's School Darjeeling He finished his post graduations in English at Viswa Bharati University Santiniketan. Apart from receiving a Masters degree with honors, Diganta, has also successfully cleared his Dip.ABRSM and ARSM Performance Diploma under the Royal College of Music. Diganta, was the Director of Music

at Sherwood College Nainital 2009 -2011, and later was a Vocal coach both at Delhi School of Music and Theme Music Institute at Delhi and Gurgaon . In 2011 he teamed up with some of his colleague at the Delhi School of Music and founded the Delhi Music Ensemble. After moving to Kolkata Diganta along with several other meritorious artists co-founded the kolkata Community Choir. With the Choir he has performed works by John Rutter and George F. Handel . The choir is now an integral part of the Kolkata Youth Orchestra. He was awarded the Rustomjee Challenge Cup for Excellence in Music in 2018

Presently Diganta works at South City International School , and is teaching music and theater. Has has directed several musicals namely , Oliver Twist, Wizard of Oz,Mamma Mia and Beauty and the Beast at South City International School. He has also contributed and worked with the ISA (International Students Association) Programme (British Council)in promoting Indian culture internationally on a global platform.He has written a Director Cut Version of the Musical La La Land for South City International School and also an original Musical written and scored for the Primary School named 'A Space Odyssey'

Mr. Shivam Chawla, Baritone

Shivam Chawla is born to be a musician in a non musical family. When given he took all the opportunities and expanded his knowledge and talent in music. Grown up listening to the legendary bands The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses and Bon Jovi eventually made him realise that music is his forte. His first breakthrough was at the age of 16 when he performed at National school of drama and was awarded as the fresh voice.

He completed his grade 8 from rock school in 2010 and did trinity rock and pop grade 8 in 2012 clearing both with distinction. He is also currently pursuing ATCL (Diploma in Music).

To broaden the horizons he took immense interest in professional music training and started learning western classical and Broadway. He soon realised that he should spread his knowledge and hence he started teaching at a very early age. He has taught choral music in Manav Rachna International school Faridabad. Then in 2015 he started teaching in the best music school, The Delhi school of music which has been a wonderful platform in his music career. He is also a part of The lyric Ensemble of Delhi which is one of the best group of singers and musicians. They've done major performances and some of them are Broadway Goldies, Gym khana in 2017, Pocket opera Amahl in 2016 and 2017 and IIC experience in 2016. He also keeps performing at various locations with different bands like The piano Man jazz club along with teaching, as he believes that expressing music is vital for the musicians.