BY ARTI DAS
Pianist Marouan Benabdallah from Hungary, the internationally acclaimed artiste, is not new to Goa or the Goan audience. He is of the opinion that Goans have an ear for good music and appreciate western classical music.
“I really liked this place when I performed here in November 2008. Also I felt that Goans like good music. Goa is quite different from other States, it is less crowded and chaotic, and has its unique charm,” says Mr Benabdallah who hosted the piano concert on Wednesday at the St Michale’s Church, Taliegao, organised by Alliance Francaise, Goa.
Benabdallah who is on an India tour where he is performing in 12 cities in 25 days mentioned that performing in India was always adventurous. “When you are performing in India you have to be ready for surprises. Sometimes the instruments are bad or badly tuned. But, in a way it is funny when I recollect,” quips Benabdallah. He further added that he loves to perform in Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore and Goa. “When the audience is silent I can tell they are enjoying my music,” says Benabdallah who is now quite excited about performing at Dimapur in Nagaland. He is also being invited to perform in countries like Germany, Austria, China, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, France and Italy among other countries.
The 27-year-old Benabdallah took interest in music when he was just four. “For me it was quite natural to learn music as my mother was a music teacher,” elaborates Benabdallah, who spent his childhood in Morocco. Now he is busy shuffling between Budapest (Hungary), France and Washington DC.
When asked about his inclination towards piano he expressed, “For me music is beyond words and thus I can’t express it. It is a passion for me. It’s so exciting when you are playing a particular piece. It is like discovering a new world.”
He is obsessed with the piano so much so that he never thought of trying any other instrument. “I practice for four to five hours a day. It is very exhausting as it is believed that playing the piano is a most demanding task for the brain,” informed Benabdallah who may actually like to play a sitar one day.
He is currently busy staging shows and concerts and wants to continue playing the piano.
However, he also has plans for his homeland. “I would like to conduct a western classical music concert in Morocco. This country is like India as it has its own traditions and music. I plan to take international artistes to perform there,” concludes Benabdallah.
