Australian flautist, Jane Rutter, on why Indians are innately attracted to the voice of the flute
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Jane Rutter, an Australian flautist, first visited India as a child. Decades later, she's back for a performance. A French Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, Rutter has produced concerts at the Sydney Opera House, and performed worldwide as a soloist. For Mumbai, she says she has a line up of her favourite pieces. Excerpts from an interview.
Considering it's your debut performance in India, what are your expectations?
India has long been a dream destination for me. I believe the people here are innately attracted to the voice of the flute — the yearning that the sound of the flute creates. This sound of the flute can provide a sense of deep reconciliation with the divine in all of us. My main intention in coming to India is to merge the sound of my different flutes with a love I have had for the country since I first visited as a child! My French flute teacher, Jean-Pierre Rampal, once said that the sound of the flute is the sound of man that flows freely from his body. I hope to convey this to my audience.
What pieces do you plan to perform?
I'll be playing some of my favourite classical pieces. For example, Spring from Vivaldi: The Four Seasons arranged for solo flute by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an arrangement of Ravel's Bolero, Debussy and Devienne) and luscious cabaret pieces by Piaf and Cole Porter.
What is your opinion on the music scene in India?
The music scene in India is, of course, impressive. I am often moved to tears of joy when I listen to Indian classical music. I'm mad about Bollywood!
Describe your musical style.
I am a free spirit classical French flute player who plays with emotional intention. In Mumbai, I will play at least seven different gold, silver, ebony and
bamboo flutes.