Russian Choir's Magical Delhi Debut Features Bollywood Classic Jimmy Jimmy
Delhi's music lovers experienced a unique cultural fusion as the legendary Mikhail Turetsky's Choir and Soprano made their first-ever performance in India on Republic Day. The 12-member ensemble from Russia captivated the audience with their rendition of the iconic 80s Bollywood track Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja, originally sung by the late Bappi Lahiri, receiving thunderous applause and cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
Energetic Performance Dispels Rainy Day Blues
The concert, organized to celebrate India's Republic Day, transformed a potentially gloomy rainy evening into a vibrant musical celebration. The choir's impressive vocal range—spanning from soaring soprano highs to deep, resonant basso profundo notes—created a powerful auditory experience that resonated throughout the venue.
The performance featured a diverse repertoire that included:
- Bella Ciao, the Italian folk song popularized globally
- Traditional Russian favorites like Ot zari do zari and Kalinka Malinka
- The classical masterpiece Ave Maria
- Energetic dance routines accompanying the musical numbers
Musical Bridge Between Nations
Maestro Mikhail Turetsky expressed his delight after the performance, stating, "I heard this music from childhood, and it's very popular in Russia. It was great fun singing a Bollywood song in India. Indians have been very warm and appreciative of us. Both Indian and Russian music are energetic and I believe today's concert built a bridge between the two."
The choir's musical storytelling was enhanced by instrumental accompaniment from keyboard, guitar, and accordion, creating a rich sonic tapestry that required no translation. As Turetsky noted, "Indians understand our music," highlighting the universal language of melody and rhythm.
Diplomatic Celebration of Cultural Bonds
The event, supported by the Russian Embassy, brought together diplomatic circles to celebrate the strong cultural ties between India and Russia. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov emphasized the significance of the occasion, saying, "It's a great honour and pleasure for us to welcome you tonight to the concert that Russia has brought on the occasion of the Republic Day of India. As a humble and heartfelt gesture of friendship and respect for this country, with which we share a long tradition of visual goodwill and cultural ability, we are overwhelmed with response."
Ambassador Alipov further reflected on music's unifying power: "Music perhaps, more than any other art form speaks a language that requires no translation. It brings people together through emotion, memory, and the shared appreciation of beauty."
Audience Reactions: From Nostalgia to Cultural Connection
The concert evoked strong emotional responses from attendees. Meenu, a Russian language teacher, shared her excitement: "It's wonderful to attend a Russian concert in Delhi. I'm very impressed by the range of genres they have showcased from classical to rock and a Hindi song as well!"
For the Russian diaspora in Delhi, the performance provided a touching connection to their homeland. Maria, who has lived in Delhi for 11 years, expressed: "It's heartwarming to feel your motherland just next to you while being so far away from home. These classic Russian songs are part of our blood!"
The sopranos of the choir received particularly enthusiastic applause as they mesmerized the audience with their vocal prowess, demonstrating how music can transcend geographical boundaries and create shared moments of joy.
This Republic Day celebration through music not only entertained Delhiites but also strengthened the cultural diplomacy between two historically friendly nations, proving that artistic expression remains one of the most effective ways to build international understanding and appreciation.
