India @75: IEYO performs in Hungary; wins hearts

Hyderabad: Indo-European Youth Orchestra (IEYO) performed at the Indian Embassy in Budapest to celebrate the 75^th Independence day. On August 13, around 25 members of the IEYO team led by Michael Makhal performed a blend of western classical and Indian raag-based numbers. The team started by playing `Vande Mataram'. Later in the concert, they also played Rabindranath Tagore's Bengali song Jodi Tor Daak Shune.

Founded by Michael Makhal, IEYO is one of the first western classical youth orchestras from India that performed in Europe.

Michael Makhal

IEYO has members from different parts of India and of different nationalities too-Indian, American, Australian, and South Korean as well as a few talented musicians from Budapest in Hungary. For this year's Independence Day concert, there were three participants from Hyderabad- Naga Pushpika, Swarna Pushpika, and Varun Lanka.

Naga Pushpika, Swarna Pushpika

Varun Lanka

Michael thanked the Indian Ambassador to Hungary Partha Satpathy for inviting them to perform at the embassy.

"I think what we have been able to do in Budapest since 2019 is something unparalleled. The initiative is very beneficial to the musical talents from India, especially the young ones. This kind of cross-cultural program is very rare, and collaborations like this help the young players to understand the depth of international music and performance at the right time when they are learning and growing with music," he said.

Moreover, he said, traveling teaches them many good lessons that are very important in life. "They also grow wisdom by playing alongside musicians from all walks of life, different countries, and varied musical levels and standards including renowned professionals. The knowledge and experience they gain are priceless. We are indeed thrilled to be able to come to Hungary once again after the pandemic and able to spread joy and friendship through our music. We hope this saga will continue every year," he said.

The IEYO team had performed in Budapest in 2019 also.

2019 Concert in Budapest