The Indian premier of Joseph Haydn’s acclaimed oratorio, ‘The Creation’, was a significant event marking a harmonious collaboration between the Madras Guild of Performing Arts (MGPA) and the Gustav Mahler Society of Colombo (GMSC). This grand performance, hosted at the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, was the first international tour for the GMSC, promising to transport audiences into the heavenly realms of Haydn’s exquisite musical world.
Anticipation was palpable as an audience, comprising both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and first-time attendees, filled the concert hall. There was a shared sense of excitement, a harmonic buzz that formed the perfect prelude to the evening’s musical journey. Inspired by the creation story in the Book of Genesis and John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’, Haydn’s work deftly intertwines these narratives, creating a masterful depiction of the universe’s birth through music.
Guiding this ambitious production was Atul Jacob Isaac, the conductor for the MGPA. A conductor with profound expertise in Viennese classical traditions, Isaac’s passion for Haydn’s masterpiece was evident. “Having studied the Viennese style of conducting, it was an honor to apply that knowledge with a talented choir and a well-grounded orchestra,” Isaac expressed.
The oratorio commenced with the movement known as ‘The Representation of Chaos’. This powerful opening captured the audience, its rich soundscapes illustrating the universe’s nascent tremors. Through the skillful performance of the orchestra, each instrument wove together to create a vivid cosmic dialogue — where strings murmured, brass sections roared, and woodwinds danced audibly across Haydn’s vast musical canvas.
A pivotal highlight of the night was the stunning transition from C Minor to C Major, underscored by the word “light.” This moment was one of theatrical brilliance; the conductor strategically dimmed the lights to 70% before the choir’s vocals rang out with “And there was light,” coinciding with a full stage illumination.
The distinguished soprano Kristina Ammattil brought to life the roles of Gabriel and Eve with elegance and profound strength.
. Meanwhile, tenor Ramon Branch Biescas, portraying Uriel, infused his performance with emotional clarity, and baritone Maximilian Catalano added depth and authority to the characters of Raphael and Adam. Together, their performances elevated the narrative, suffusing it with drama and beauty.
Adding an exquisite layer of cultural fusion, the concert concluded with the encore piece, ‘Danno Budunge’. This celebrated Sri Lankan song, which praises the ancient city of Anuradhapura, was composed by the revered Indian musician Pt Visvanath Lauji, who held a fervent appreciation for Western classical music. Manilal Weerakoon’s orchestral arrangement magnified the song’s splendor, seamlessly blending Sri Lankan, Indian, and Western influences — a meaningful tribute to the interconnected musical heritage.
Srimal Weerasinghe, the conductor of the GMSC, highlighted the cultural importance of this performance, noting that it served as a vivid example of how music connects people across languages and borders. “This was not merely a show of musical prowess, but a celebration of our shared humanity,” emphasized Weerasinghe.
The evening also sparked reflective questions about the sustainability of Western classical music within Chennai’s cultural tapestry. How might Chennai foster deeper community engagement and appreciation for this genre while honoring its rich heritage? In this context, renowned pianist Anil Srinivasan highlighted the growing interest and the necessity for more inclusive musical experiences. “Community engagement needs to be increased through demonstrations and workshops. Teachers of Western classical music should encourage their students to participate in performances, encouraging dialogues,” advocated Srinivasan.
Reflecting on the impact of the evening’s performance, Isaac expressed his hope that Haydn’s final masterpiece would resonate deeply with audiences, whether they were new to the piece or discerning connoisseurs. “This oratorio, in its splendor, will ring in your heart,” concluded Isaac resonantly, capturing the universal appeal of Haydn’s grand creation.
