Dimitris Lambriano, talks about ‘One World One Family Concert’, prior to the Bengaluru show

When 450 musicians from 40 countries come together on one stage, the result is bound to be extraordinary.

The ‘One World One Family Concert’, an initiative of the One World One Family Mission, is uniting global voices and instruments on November 23 at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka. At the heart of this ambitious symphonic vision is Dimitris Lambrianos, the Greek-American multi-instrumentalist and conductor of the Sai Symphony Orchestra, the homegrown school symphony founded by Madhusudan Sai.

Dimitris speaks about weaving a global sound, the spiritual essence of collaboration, and the journey of 200 young Indian students, who make up the core of the Sai Symphony Orchestra. “More than 250 musicians from 40 countries will play alongside the 200 students at the concert. We will perform iconic pieces of music from each of these countries, with India represented by L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurthy,” informs Dimitris, who feels the principles of music are the same everywhere.

“It is the instruments, singing languages, and rhythms that bring variety. Ultimately, music is a divine gift to humanity — what India calls ‘nāda brahman’.”

The concert also features choirs from the Vatican and Germany, alongside a Nigerian choir and a gospel choir from the USA. Representing Germany is one of Handel’s most iconic compositions ‘Hallelujah’, which will bring together all the choirs, musicians and symphony orchestras.

“We have over 70 choir members, who will participate in several pieces, including those from Ukraine, Russia, Greece, and many more. Additionally, our Sai Symphony Orchestra, comprising 200 boys and girls from rural backgrounds, has shown immense dedication and enthusiasm in learning new styles of music from around the world.”

Working with Indian students has been the most joyous part of the job, says Dimitris. “Watching them discover their talents and gain confidence is the greatest reward. Many come from challenging backgrounds, like remote villages or low-income families. Some of the girls might have been married young if not for this institution,” he notes and adds: “Today, they are part of India’s largest symphony orchestra, performing with world-renowned musicians.” 

Dimitris has spent years studying the connections between Mediterranean and Indian music.

Speaking about the links between the two traditions, he says, “I have studied various types of music. One common thread is the concept of ‘saptaswara’. For instance, raga in Indian music is known as ‘maqam’ in Arabic music and ‘scale’ in Western music. The principle is the same.” Similarly, Dimitris says, “What we call ‘tala’ in India is simply rhythm elsewhere. These are the principles that unite the whole world of music. Working on this concert, bringing together a symphony orchestra with musicians from so many countries, beautifully embodies the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.”

Dimitris says that performing at Sathya Sai Grama feels very special to him.

“Karnataka has a deep musical and spiritual history.” He adds: “Sathya Sai Grama is home to India’s largest symphony orchestra, which makes this concert very important.”