Indian maestro and Musical Director Baluji Shrivastav, has brought together incredible musicians from around the world who are blind or partially sighted. Their uplifting music moves between songs from Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, to soulful Gospel and Blues to sublime Indian Ragas and Western Classical compositions. Driven by the intensity of an inner vision they celebrate the power of music to transform lives. In the last three years they have toured extensively and some of the orchestra members performed at the London 2012 Paralympics Closing Ceremony. They create a ‘magical mixture of sounds’– Sean Rafferty BBC Radio 3 In Tune

In 2014 following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, filmmaker Marie-Cecile Embleton followed the orchestra in rehearsals and on tour and created the film, The Colours of Sound, an intimate portrait of this unique collective. The film followed bandleader Shrivastav and fellow musicians including Nigerian opera singer Victoria Oruwari, Iranian singer Fereshteh Khosroujerdy and Japanese viola player Takashi Kikuchi amongst others.

‘…An extraordinary musician’Charles Hazelwood, Songlines Magazine

Extract from Eastern Eye’s interview with Baluji:

How would you describe your amazing musical journey?

Music is my life, and as I have grown so music has grown with me.

How much do you enjoy being on stage with the Inner Vision Orchestra?

I love the stage because it makes me feel totally alive. Being the MD [musical director] of the orchestra is a great privilege for me to share our inner vision.

How does this compare to other music projects you have worked on?

It’s totally unique. It’s so global, but because we are all blind, we have a different way of communication based on more feeling and listening than other

groups I have performed with. Also, the experience of working has changed

people’s lives, giving confidence and much-needed exposure to them.

Which musicians have taught you the most?

My mother, because she was my first guru, and All India Radio.

Why do you love music?

Because it is life, it is love, it is peaceful, joyous and liberating.

What piece of advice would you give young musicians?

Find a good teacher and practice with dedication for there is no shortcut, and

don’t be in too much of a hurry for success. Shiksha – good learning, Deeksha

– listening to others and playing with them and Pariksha – testing your progress, are all key.