Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Toronto, May 5: ‘Veni Vidi Vici’ is defined in Latin as “I came, I saw, I conquered”. It is the famous victory statement made by Julius Caesar to the Roman Senate. I can relate this statement to the world-famous musician Dr.Aneesh Vidyashanker popularly known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ who just arrived in Canada to perform at an extraordinary ‘MAC Social’ a Dinner/Dance event organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Without any hesitation I can say that he came, he saw, and he conquered Canadians’ hearts.
An amazing musician like Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker doesn’t need any introduction. He is a bright shining star in the galaxy of music. Music is his passion and violin is his way of life. He is a violinist, composer, music director, and producer – all these roles gracefully blended into one person. He displays a style of playing violin which is original, exceptional, and sensational.
Dr Aneesh was born on January 16, 1991 and is a born violinist, composer, and architect. He is best known as the ‘Walking Violinist’ for his ability to walk and play fusion music on the violin, amidst the crowd. He was introduced to Carnatic Music at the tiny age of three and was formerly trained by his father S R Vidyashankar, who hails from the Lalgudi Jayaraman School of violin playing. Aneesh was a child prodigy and gave his first solo violin performance on stage when he was just six years old. He has scored background violin pieces for Kannada movies Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Pushpaka Vimana, Kavaludaari, and Popcorn Monkey Tiger with composer Charan Raj. In the year 2017, Aneesh received an honorary doctorate in Music.
Dr Aneesh was received at the Lester Pearson Airport in Toronto by the members of the MAC executive committee - Ronald Fernandes and Ronald D’Souza led by Everest Vijay Dante, the dynamic vice-president of The Mangalorean Association of Canada who was instrumental in inviting Dr Aneesh to perform at the MAC Social - 2022 event.
During his stay in Toronto, I had the unique opportunity to toss a few questions at him as the representative of daijiworld.com.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q. Dr Aneesh, welcome to Canada. On behalf of Daijiworld.com, I am privileged to interact with you. How does it feel to be in Canada again?
It feels great to be in Canada. This place is awesome. I've been here quite a few times. Since 2012 I've been coming here. Every time it’s been amazing, and Canada is super awesome.
Q. Your violin talent is world-famous. When and how did your musical journey begin?
I started playing the violin at the age of three and I would learn from my father and guru, Vidyashankar. I gave my first solo violin performance at the age of five and a half, and then the advantage was that I started very early. It's been a great journey so far and what is special about me is I can bring about Indian music curves on the violin and play at different venues without compromising the quality and the classicism, but also bring it out with a contemporary global sound. That's the specialty of what I do and of course, my ability to walk and play Indian music. You can look at my Wikipedia page for more information as well.
Q. You must have traveled extensively and visited over 30 countries to exhibit your incredible violin talent. Can you please share your experience in Canada?
I've been here quite several times. I’ve also done events here and yes Canada has always been on my list. I love Vancouver, BC, and the West Coast as well. In fact, Lake Louise is one of my favorite places in the whole world, so I haven't delayed.
Q. Because of your outstanding musical talent, we look up to you as the most successful violinist. Could you tell us about the secret behind your success?
The secret behind my successes is that don't let the fame get into my head. Once it gets into your head, that's the beginning of your end.
Q. I received some information about your unique musical records in India and across the globe. Can you please share some of them?
Some of the records about my musical talent are that I was fortunate to perform for all the dignitaries like the Presidents, Prime Ministers, etc. and this is across the spectrum, even for religious leaders and politicians. We also give back to the society; done 300 free surgeries for 300 patients and raised all the money in one night of my music. We raised around $1.75 million for a temple in Tampa, Florida, and recently, I performed for the Governor of Pennsylvania. I was awarded two citations for contributing to our music in New York and Sacramento. I’m known as the ‘Asthan Matvev’ of Shingeri. These are a few of them, the others are on my Wikipedia page.
Q. You have performed with some of the best musicians. Who is your favorite composer?
For my favorite composer, I have a lot of them, but I think I met with Ilayaraja, who is one of the most famous composers in the world, so I think that was a good moment and a very memorable one.
Q. You arrived in Canada to support the ‘MAC Social’ event organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada to commemorate its 20th Anniversary. What motivated you to support such an event?
I came to support this event because this is our Karnataka, and Mangaluru is part of our Karnataka. I am proud to be a Kannadiga, and proud of Karnataka. The Mangalore Association is doing a great job here and I believe that I'm the very first artist to tour North America after the pandemic, so we wanted to break that jinx and take the risk of coming here. The main reason was of course Vijay Dante, and because of him, I'm here today and for this particular trip. That was the main reason, so when he asked me, I just said yes. I’m very happy to support MAC.
Q. We have seen you receiving national, international awards and accolades from across the globe including the Doctorate in Music for your musical talents. Do you feel proud of your incredible achievements in music?
I feel extremely proud and I'm very thankful to my parents for what they've made me today. If it were not for them, I would not have gotten these awards, doctorates, etc. It's all hard work, there's nothing that comes easy, and this is all because of 23 plus years of experience that I've had in music. It looks easy on stage but it's extremely difficult and there's a lot that goes in the background. So, I feel very proud and honored to get all these accolades.
Q. What is your message for your fans, the people of the west coast in India who are settled in Canada?
My message for the people in Canada is that our Indian traditions and culture are very deep-rooted. Once you know how to play Indian classical music forms like Hindustani or Carnatic music, you can play any genre in the world. This is what also I'm going to be showcasing when I play here. So that's only my message saying that, keep our Indian traditions alive and keep our cultures alive, wherever you are in the world.
I must say that the music lovers in Canada are highly privileged to have in their midst this world-renowned music star the Walking Violinist Dr Aneesh Vidyashanker at the gala show ‘MAC-Social 2022’ to be held on May 6 from 6.30 pm. onwards at Toronto’s renowned the Red Rose Convention Centre, Mississauga. This special evening of exquisite music is all set to attract music lovers in large numbers and undoubtedly will be a historical show.