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Focusing on talented and aspiring Bangladeshi artistes

28 August 2005, 18:00 PM
LIFESTYLE
By Cultural Correspondent
28 August 2005, 18:00 PM
Discussants at the press conference. PHOTO: STAR
"Bangladesh unlike its neighbours, has hardly made its presence felt in the international scene in terms of music and films," said Kumar Murshid, chairperson of London Film and Music School (LMFS) Board at a press conference held at the National Press Club yesterday.

Martin Keating, Principal of LFMS, Joanne Kemp, the general manager, Dilly Meah, creative director, SS Rahman, director of programme and production, Nasiruddin, director of development and Gabriella Jangfeldt, a talented artiste and student of London Music School (LMS), also attended the event.

LMFS evolved out of the work of committed musicians, aspiring filmmakers and cultural activists from East London's Asian communities in cooperation with the prestigious LMS, which is reputed to be one of the finest contemporary music schools in Europe.

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"The world has become virtually smaller. In today's world, film and music are becoming global phenomena," said Martin Keatings. He added, "I recently saw Mangal Pandey (The Rising). The movie had scores when the story needed them, done in a very western fashion, as well as typical Hindi numbers. The movie was edited in London and a Czechoslovakian orchestra worked on the tracks. This gives you an idea of where the world is heading. This is why we need to institutionalise fusion in music and film."

Kumar Murshid said, "Undoubtedly Bangladesh has talent to offer but LMFS wants to introduce Bangladeshi artistes to the international scene. We want to be a factor in molding these aspiring musicians and filmmakers. The integrated film and music courses LMFS is offering will provide the know how an artiste needs in the competitive international market."

Joann Kemp, who is also a singer-songwriter said, "LMFS is a small school. We can only accommodate 36 students currently. We intend to keep the number of students limited as it makes is easier for us to cater to each student on a personal level."

LFMS seeks to launch its year-long course in November 2005 and is designed primarily for students from South Asia and London's Asian communities. The course will be expanded through the incorporation of key elements of South Asian music (theory and practice) in the context of creating high quality fusion scores.