Classical leanings

Playing Western classical piano in the day and age of electronic music may seem redundant, but when you have the passion and desire for it that Apurva Devarajan has, you’re bound to not just find success in the craft but also help generate a renewed interest in the genre.

From picking up songs by ear on her toy Casio at the age of thee to winning the ‘Young Musician of the Year 2016’ award from the prestigious Olga and Jules Craen Foundation 20 years later, Apurva has certainly come a long way, but she only has more to offer.

Influenced by the likes of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Frédéric Chopin, she began training in piano with pianist Blossom Mendonca in Mumbai, after spending the first seven years of her life in Dubai, where she had also learned Hindustani classical vocals —taking after her mother and grandmother.

“I love exploring all kinds of music, so I don’t stick to just one or two composers. I’m also very passionate about Spanish music and I see myself taking that up as my forte,” she says, adding that she has also begun playing the cello.

Apurva’s list of musical credentials is a long one — recently receiving distinction in an LTCL level diploma course from the Trinity College London, she also attended a summer course at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Music and currently teaches alongside her own mentor, Blossom, who she credits for her success. The Craen Foundation award now means that she will be touring the country in the coming year, as well as have the opportunity to pursue a course at a music school of her choice.

Currently shuffling between practises for her upcoming performances and teaching, Apurva also sings with the Living Voices choir, giving piano recitals at their concerts on the side.

And through these performances, she hopes to change the mindset of the Indian audience that Western classical is just a niche genre. She says, “When I had recently performed in Hyderabad, I had suggested that we have an interactive kind of concert where I talk about my pieces and explain what era they are from, what to look out for before I play. That helps people form a connection the next time they hear it elsewhere.”