At the Symphony Orchestra of India’s premiere show in the city, Natarani Amphitheatre saw the entire passage of Western classical music, from the Baroque era to today. The sound of a gong gave the signal for patrons to start taking their seats – yes, I am referring to the newly constructed, earth-red mosaic benches at Mallika Sarabhai’s Natarani Amphitheater. The Symphony Orchestra of India’s (SOI) premiere performance in Ahmedabad on September 28 was greeted by a full house of eager listeners. Although many of us have been exposed to Western music in films and media, there is still novelty in the Western symphony experience. It’s very different from the Hindustani classical tradition which doesn’t have the concept of harmony ingrained in it; in a Western classical orchestra, it’s indeed difficult to keep track of where the melody lies and what the main melody is. Listening to the Symphony Orchestra was a practice in keeping one’s awareness omnipresent while, at the same time, being present in the moment to appreciate the entire soundscape being created. The vast stage had a minimal presentation, with simple chairs organised in the traditional half crescent formation of a chamber orchestra. The new and improved Natarani has…