The Indian Air Force Band Plays for the General Public at India Gate Enthralls Audience

The gathered public at the India Gate, New Delhi in anticipation to be treated to an eclectic mix of soulful numbers, knew they were in for a musical treat, when Wing Commander Santosh Asthana introduced the IAF Band with the promise – “We are here to perform for you, Ladies and Gentlemen”. The audience were then taken on a melodious ride which held them completely rapt right till the end.

Playing live especially for the public, the thirty member Indian Air Force Brass and Jazz Band started with the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra’s Title Song – ‘Bharat Ki Vayusena’. The tunes and songs belted out, ranged from Curse of Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean, to Jhumroo,Vande Matram, E Mere Watan Ke Logon, Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe to Watapi Ganpatim- Raga Hamsdhwani, Roja to Scorpions’ Holiday to the very popular Kolaveri as well, on public’s demand.

The first Air Force Band was raised in the year 1944 at the Royal Air Force Station, Kohat, in North Western Frontier Province. Today there are eight bands in the Indian Air Force. Progressing from the delightful martial music, successive conductors of the bands enhanced the range of its repertoire to include arrangements of symphonies, overtures and concertos as well as other forms of contemporary music including the Indian Classical. These bands have been performing at various ceremonies and official functions.

A member of the worldwide Military Music Society, the Air Force Band has performed in India as well as abroad at Bangkok, Finland, France, Italy, Kaula Lumpur International Tattoo, ILA Berlin Air Show, French National Day Celebration and recently on India’s Independence Day Celebration at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

PJ/MKR/KS
(Release ID :79479)