in cooperation with CPB Foundation, Cinema Rendezvous and Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation
Prem Sanyas - The Light of Asia
Dir.: Franz Osten | 1925 | 98 min.
Followed by Q&A Session with
Shylaja Chetlur and
Willy Schwarz
Willy Schwarz’s vision has always been eclectic. After decades spent absorbing music from around the globe, Willy has alchemically transformed his experience into songs and compositions that reflect his love for the dozens of traditions he has studied, yet maintain the unity of conception and imagination that is the benchmark of a master storyteller.
Willy began his formal training in Indian Classical Music in 1970 with master ‚sarodist’ Ustad Aashish Khan, and tabla wizard Ustad Alla Rakha. During three successive journeys to India, he continued his studies with Pt. Ravi Shankar, also accompanying on tabla his sister-in-law, late vocalist Lakshmi Shankar on tour. He spent 12 years writing and performing music for the theatre, receiving several prizes for successful productions in London, Los Angeles, Boston, and 3 times on Broadway in New York.
For the film
Prem Sanyas, Willy composed and performed original music on sarod, vichitra vina, bansuri, santur, sarangi, tabla, mrdang, dramyen, and 12 other musical instruments.
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