LANDWEHR Orchestra is a name etched in the history of Switzerland since Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign. Originally known as ‘Corps franc’ it was founded in 1804 for accompanying the military contingents under Napoleon’s Act of Meditation. With the changing times, Landwehr Orchestra too has evolved and now performs only for promoting music. Having traveled and played in more than 28 cities and countries across the world, October 2018 marked their first series of performance in India.
The performance of Landwehr orchestra at Hotel Clarks Amer was done to celebrate the 70 years of Indo-Swiss Friendship treaty and the 70th foundation year of Clarks Group of Hotels. This concert was attended by prominent dignitaries of Jaipur and the President of the State of Freiburg – Georges Godel.
Hotel Clarks Amer is one of the first five-star hotels in Jaipur. This being said the hotel also resonates a strong inclination of its patrons towards arts. So Clarks Amer Hotel regularly hosts and organizes art events, animal welfare summits, and music festivals. The performance by Landwehr orchestra was one of the hotel’s most culturally refined presentations indeed.
The orchestra performance began with four-five festive invigorating music pieces belonging to places near and in Switzerland. These music pieces enabled the orchestra to perform with all of the different musical instruments brought along with the troupe. Some pieces were led by one set of musical instruments while others supported impeccably.
To synchronize Swiss and Indian cultural aspects & to make the concert more engaging there was an Indian influenced music piece specially composed by the orchestra troupe conductor Benedikt Hayoz. The music piece named ‘Impressions of India’ had the melody of the wind orchestra, intertwined with the Indian music tradition & Kathak dance performance by Gauri Priscilla Brulhart.
The dancer herself a Swiss native had learned Kathak during her few years of stay in India. The music piece began with a Qawwali which was the introduction of Gauri on the stage. Further proceeding to her showing some traditional sequences of Kathak with a classical recital. Post which there was a brief solo act of the dancer. She danced a Gat–Nikas depicting the chaal (walk) & peacock symbolizing the beautiful meeting and friendship between Switzerland and India.
The final part of Gauri’s performance had the audience enamored as it was a jugalbandi act with Landwehr Orchestra before finally culminating in the form of a Tihai.
The enchanting music environment within the performance hall further was delighted when worldwide acclaimed soundtracks like ‘Jai Ho’ composed by A.R. Rahman and ‘Aaj ki Raat’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire were performed by Landwehr Orchestra. The hall was filled with admiration & applause after this bunch of performance.
In the final sequence, Landwehr Orchestra played the legendary March of the Swiss Soldiers to end the concert over a laudatory, happy note.
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‘DID YOU KNOW’ about Landwehr Orchestra:
- Formed in 1804, the orchestra has risen like a phoenix several times in different eras & with changing names before finally setting its mark in the whole world with the name Landwehr Orchestra.
- Fribourg is a capital city in western Switzerland. The orchestra hails from this city.
- There are 40% women in the troupe, that’s some good gender equality!
- The members of this group have different mainline professions. Playing as a part of the orchestra is sheer an act of passion for music.
- Landwehr has a music school as well in Fribourg.
- They have played for Pope John Paul II, the musicians of Guardia degli Carabineri & the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
- They were the first international musical corps to participate in the Colombus Day Parade on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
What a fusion cultural performance it seems by the orchestra. I’m amazed at the type of events hosted by Clarks Amer, Jaipur.
this is something new to me, as i have never heard Landwehr Orchestra. before. definitely seems to be worth checking out
What a beautiful event .. i am sure you had a great time meeting and exploring some amazing personalities
It’s good to see that they played Jai Ho, I am sure the event was really amazing and everyone must enjoy a lot
Its always a treat to watch such high level performances ..I never got a chance to watch them live …but I easily get impressed with those..
I think, you had an amazing experience there. I wish I could be there too! Because I love to hear live orchestra.
Woww this is absolutely incredible! It is so good to see international artists playing our songs. Totally a proud moment for all Indians. Thanks for sharing xx
This looks like a really wonderful performance by the orchestra. Its really amazing how a Swiss person has mastered our traditional dance.
Yes actually she was very good.
The Jai ho composition by the Landwehr Orchestra is mind-blowing. This ceremony sounds like a perfect treat for the arts lover. Lucky you to witness them performing live
Wow looks like it was an absolutely wonderful performance by the orchestra. Do you know if they will be playing at any other Indian cities too?
What a gorgeous event this seems to be. I am sure you had a fab evening here, this must have haveen a great to your eyes
Amazing performance it seems by Landwehr Orchestra on their first such tour. The final sequence of the legendary March sounds quite amazimg.
This looks so royal orchestra never heard abt this event, but glad to read it here
Wow.. the entire event seems to be spectacular. A perfect fusion I feel, Jaipur is know for rich culture and this fusion is cherry on the cake.
Wow, this sounds such an amazing event. I had no idea such events take place in Jaipur. It’s such a treat to audiences . Thanks for sharing .
Looks like it was a great cultural evening. I’m sure everyone must have had a great time!
what a beautiful performance by the orchestra. truly impressive and great to see people from other country opting and learning our music,dance
The place look so warm and vibrant and so is the event. It must be a great event for all art lovers
This would have been an outstanding event at Jaipur. Fusion of Indo-Western along with music and maestros… who can ask for anything more?
Looks like an outstanging performance. That must be such an live moment when an internatinal Orchestra plays an Indian music. Thanks for sharing this post.
Lovely!! you are so lucky to see the vibrant performance live. Must have been a treat for art lovers.
Jai Ho was played at the Indonesian Embassy as well during their Independence Day Celebrations. Its indeed a nostalgic scenario. Seems like it was a euphoria at the Clarks Amer. So, proud to see all this and to see you witnessing all of this. Way to go !!
I always wanted to see the performance of this group. It sounds pretty awesome and impressive. You are so lucky to witness it.
Looks like a fun event. It must have been a wonderful experience attending such event.
Amazing to see this. Clarks amer is a lovely hotel. I am sure you had a great time at the event. I am really happy to see my favorite Beena ji there.
Wow. The event looks so amazing. I am sure you had a great time there. The performance is beyond excellent.
Sounds like a damn amazing performance, would have loved to watch it live and must say the pics came out so well, I am so sure you had an amazing time there
It was an amazing performance just perfection in everything. It took me away with it. Such a beautiful event