Between The Notes: A musical exploration
Cultural Correspondent
'Funky' is the appropriate term to describe the popular British music group Between The Notes (BTN), which features renowned cellist Matthew Barley. This group arrived in Dhaka on September 4. The group will perform two concerts in collaboration with music students of Chittagong on September 5 and in Dhaka on September 8 as part of the British Council's music project entitled 'Future Fusions'. Earlier in May, Matthew explored the potential collaboration with the children of Rhodela Music School and the Government College of Music.The objective of the project was to foster cross cultural integration of different types of music, fuse UK music with other art forms such as dance, poetry and drama, as well as to blend music with other art forms. In order to attain this goal, a press show was held on the same day at the Spectra Convention Centre. On behalf of BTN, Matthew Barley spoke with the press. Dr June Rollinson, Director of the British Council, Azizul Haq, Managing Director of Glaxo Smith Kline and Syed Masud Hossain of British Council were also present in the show. Apart from Matthew Barley, the other group members are Paul Griffiths, Fraser Trainer, Sam Walton and Peter Whyman. Creating fresh and unstuffy instrumental sound with cello, marimba, sax with guitar and piano, they have developed a unique style to break down the barriers between the audience and performers. ' We are here to find what happens when you put your musical influences in a melting pot and stir, simmer and listen. Moreover we believe in exploring musically between the notes and developing a concept of learning music by making music', said Matthew. ' We use a variety of instruments and love improvisation and collaboration,' he continued. Answering on his visions of life he opined, ' I believe in the maxim know thyself and we have a lifetime to get to know who we are.' So here's a wish for a successful musical journey with the BTN.
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(L-R) Matthew Barley, Syed Masud Hossain, Dr June Rollinson and Azizul Haq addressing the press |