Thriving Music Scene in Bengaluru: An Interview with Jacob George | Bengaluru News – Times of India

The musical pulse of Bengaluru is thrumming once again, says Jacob George, conductor of the Serenata Chorale of St Joseph’s College, who sees the post-pandemic scene not just recovering, but surpassing its pre-Covid vibrancy. “Take for instance our annual concert Resound – in 2022, we struggled to host it because then, nobody saw the performing arts as something you would invest time in.It’s different now. Today, we are all set to put up a quality show for our upcoming edition. This one will feature six other musical groups and showcase tunes from the golden age of music,” shares Jacob. In a chat with us, he shares more about Bengaluru’s musical scene, how it has bounced back post Covid, the upcoming concert and more. Excerpts:

‘It’s a fantastic time to be a musician’

I think the performing art segment in society was the worst affected by the pandemic – until last year it was slowly limping back to what it was. And now, by 2024, the music scene in Benglauru is thriving. Every weekend there is something or the other happening – which is fantastic for both musicians and music lovers. I actually think this is crossing the pre-COVID times.

‘Live concerts will always captivate audiences’

It’s about the complete experience, not just the music. Sharing it with others enriches it beyond listening alone. Imagine plugging in your headphones at home, listening to your favourite band’s high-quality recording. Now, compare that to experiencing a cover at a concert, surrounded by others who share your passion. The shared joy and memories create a deeper connection. This is especially true for cover artists. Hearing a different interpretation of your favorite song opens new perspectives. Music is subjective, and even slight variations in delivery can vastly change your understanding. That’s the beauty of shared live experiences! Nothing compares to the power of witnessing music unfold with others. That’s why live concerts will always have a place. Artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses – they sell out because people crave the shared experience, the connection, the emotions amplified by a crowd.

‘An artiste’s job is to create an experience for the audience’

More than just a concert, we try to create an experience for the audience. We try to take the audience through an emotional journey. When it comes to performing, we believe in spreading the message of love, peace and harmony through music, and every song that we pick and sing has a meaning behind it.

‘If you want to pursue music, Bengaluru is the place to be’

Growing up, I heard constant reminders: ‘If you want a music career, move to Mumbai, that’s where opportunities lie.’ But times have changed! Today, Bengaluru is the place to be. Every weekend, the city pulsates with concerts, nurturing young talent and offering exposure to even niche genres. This diverse audience welcomes all forms of music, creating a unique environment unlike any other. Being a musician myself, I think that the music scene over here is far better than any other place in the country.

About the concert:

“Resound 2024, now in its 11^th edition, will see the participation of six groups from the Bannerghatta campus and Koramangala campus of Christ University, Kristu Jayanti College, The Josephite Choir, Bangalore Conservatory, and a group of the previous conductors of the Serenata Chorale,” Jacob says, and adds that proceeds from the concert will go to charity. “The theme is Retro Rhapsody. It’s is going to be a celebration of the songs that have have moulded our music taste into what it is today,” he adds.

(The concert will be held on February 11 at St Joseph College of Commerce at 5:30 pm.)