Summer is a quiet time in the OperaWatch offices here at Northern Soul Towers. Much twiddling of thumbs, long boozy lunches and musing on whether or not the southern jessies at English National Opera will ever move north. It is, therefore, a great relief when the leaves begin to turn brown and a chill in the air signals the beginning of autumn and signs of activity in the office.   

First up, an invitation to the launch of the Royal Northern College of Music’s new season pings in our inbox, followed by the request of our company at an evening concert by Jasdeep Singh Degun. Both on the same day! And so we start at midday with champagne and sandwiches. To be honest, I’m not one for sandwiches but the champagne was perfectly chilled. Next, an introduction to the new term at the RNCM. The college is a shinning gem in Manchester’s higher education establishment. It has an international reputation and the breath of students’ nationalities is a testament to that. Diversity is the bedrock of its musical philosophy.

A few of the highlights include a double bill of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin silents accompanied by organist Darius Battiwalla. In December, there’s the college’s annual opera. This year it is Emmanuel Chabrier’s L’etoile. I adore the opera productions at RNCM and this, I expect, will be no different. Pick up a brochure or have a look online for the full programme. The launch was concluded by a concert for RNCM Piano Ensemble including a barnstorming Steven Reich’s Six Pianos.  

The absolute standout of the day was Jasdeep Singh Degun. I have followed Jasdeep’s career with admiration and awe. In 2022, I had the privilege of seeing Opera North’s production of Monteverdi’s Orpheus reimagined and scored by Jasdeep, combining western baroque music with the traditions of Indian classical music. The performance was garlanded with awards and I can honestly say that, in all my time as an opera correspondent, I have never seen better. Since then I have seen him in concert every time he comes to Manchester, and each time I am astonished by his skill, dexterity and sheer musicality. In 2024 he was named Instrumentalist of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.  

Jasdeep (on sitar) was joined by Himmet Bahra on tabla and Mehrbaan Singh on tanpura. They performed a traditional raga or raag which is a musical type of storytelling where the players respond to a melody passed down from generation to generation. It is 90 per cent improvised which makes it difficult for a musical novice like me to write about. But it was joyful and wondrous as we followed the interaction between the musicians on a magical mystery tour that left my partner, the Blonde, in tears. It was an experience I will never forget.  

As always with Jasdeep, he is generous with his time. After the concert, he spoke to everyone in the queue. With dates in Liverpool and Barrow already sold out, catch him if you can.  

By Robert Hamilton, Opera Correspondent

Main image by Robert Hamilton

 

 

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