Baluji Shrivastav OBE
Indian multi-instrumentalist

Baluji is an award-winning blind Indian sitarist, whose innate talent propelled him from an Indian village to Europe, where he founded Britain’s first blind orchestra. He reflects on the adversity and opportunities that have shaped his journey. Losing his sight in a tragic accident as a baby, his mother’s prophetic dream sealed his fate as a great musician. Restricted by prejudice and strict confines of the Indian Classical tradition, 1970s Europe offered a new world of sound and experimentation. Through a chance encounter in Paris, he meets his wife Linda who opens his mind to a new perception of music and life.

Victoria Oruwari
British-Nigerian soprano

Victoria Oruwari started experiencing synaesthesia when she lost her sight aged six. Finding the colours she saw became stronger with music, she embarked on the beginnings of her musical career. Victoria speaks of feeling extra powerful on stage, and that it is one place that she feels most in control, being in the role where she is the giver.

Takashi Kikuchi
Japanese viola player

Born blind with no light perception, as a child Takashi struggled to move his body freely. Exploring dance he breaks out of feeling physically inhibited, transforming his viola playing. He performs improvised pieces, colour by colour – blue, red, purple and white – as he imagines them. Between shifts working as a waiter, he painstakingly memorises every note from a braille score to play a symphony with a sighted orchestra. On stage, immersed in colour, Takashi shares his unique perception and musical expression with us, and fulfils his dream of becoming a professional musician.

Each screening will be preceded by a short performance and followed by an audience Q&A with the featured artist. 

 

Colours of Sound Website / Baluji Music Foundation Website / Victoria Oruwari Website

If you have any access requirements, please contact our box office team on 020 7613 7498 or email