Music is the Bridge

Music has a remarkable ability to connect different cultures, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Like a plant that thrives on cross-cultural fertilization, music flourishes when exposed to diverse melodies and rhythms. This fusion of musical styles and traditions results in a vibrant tapestry of sound, renewing songs in unexpected ways while preserving their roots.

One exceptional example of such cross-border influence is the exchange between Saxony in Germany and Tamil Nadu in India. German hymns introduced by missionaries like Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg and Friedrich Schwartz merged with old Tamil music scales and rhythms, giving birth to a genre known as the songs of Sastriar, a tradition that spans centuries.

Our special program featuring Sastriar's music will showcase performances by artists from Saxony and Tamil Nadu, blending influences of Jazz, Pop, classical melodies, contemporary rhythms, and traditional Indian tunes. The program will include 500-year-old hymns from Germany sung in both German and Tamil, highlighting the role of language-as-sound in music. A motet by Johann Sebastian Bach, sung in Tamil, will add a touch of ancient elegance to a contemporary sound design, completing the performance.
This concert is a testament to how music serves as a key to intercultural connections. It is a symbiosis, not a fight; it is togetherness, not a competition. It demonstrates how we can peacefully coexist in our globalized world.

The Artists:

KlangProjekt Leipzig: A Jazz-focused chamber orchestra known for their improvisational music blending ambient style, old church hymns, world music, and free jazz. They have performed extensively in Germany and internationally, gaining recognition in countries such as Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic states, Israel, Palestine, and Ghana. The musicians for this performance are Thomas Feist (keyboards), Sven Enger (mouth organ), and André Bauer (saxophone & flute).

© Goethe-Institut Chennai Prof. Dr. P. Martin Deva Prasath and Sastriar Sarah Martin: Prof. Martin Deva Prasath is a former Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry, and his wife, Sastriar Sarah Martin, is a descendant of a traditional family that has contributed significantly to Tamil Christian Church Music. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the performance.




© Goethe Institut Chennai Thomas Feist: Educated in classical piano, Thomas Feist is a cross-culture specialist, composer, and active keyboardist and percussionist. He has performed for over 30 years, blending different musical styles and cultures.







© Goethe-Institut Chennai Sven Enger: A virtuoso of the diatonic harmonica, Sven Enger has played for various artists, bands, and orchestras since 1993. His musical roots lie in blues and old-time folk music, and he has been recognized internationally for his talent.








© Goethe-Institut Chennai S. Janarthanan: A Muruthangam player from Thirrupur, S. Janarthanan is a specialist in classical carnatic music. He has taught music in schools for 30 years, bringing a wealth of experience to the performance.







© Goethe-Institut Chennai André Bauer: Educated in piano and saxophone, André Bauer has played saxophone, flute, and clarinet in various music collaborations for decades. He has been selected to play in outstanding jazz orchestras and classical orchestras in Germany and abroad.






© Goethe-Institut Chennai L. Selvaraj: A Tablist from Coimbatore with 40 years of experience, L. Selvaraj has performed for movies and orchestral groups and has nearly 1000 stage performances to his credit.






© Goethe Institut Chennai D. Dhass: A Harmonist from Coimbatore, D. Dhass is the Founder & Music Director of Sharonin Roja Music and Orchestra/School/Recording Center. With over 25 years of experience, he brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the performance.




Join us as we celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian-German musical connections, bridging cultures through the universal language of music.