INTERVIEW

Jane Rutter is an Australian flautist of international renown, who recently mesmerised the crowd with her tunes at an exclusive concert in Mumbai. Known for her one-woman classical-cabaret-style performances, Rutter has played around the world, and as incorporated into her music varied influences. In a conversation with Taru Bhatia, Rutter talks about her musical journey as a flautist, her debut performance in India and her affinity to Indian culture. Q. You are known for your solo classical-cabaret-style performances. What attracted you to do this particular style? A. Only some of my performances are described as “classical cabaret”. In my world, all types of fine music belong together. I really enjoy performing classical music not just in a concert hall but also in a cabaret environment .There i s accessibility to the audience at this type of venue. Generally, I have no barriers between music styles, and my performances flow effortlessly from a classical piece to world music or cabaret... My commitment is to communicate the music and its spirit.

When I pick up my flute and play, I am totally devoted to the sound and the effect it has on my audience.

So whether I’m playing Gershwin, or Bach, or an improvised jazz piece, my intellectual and emotional intentions are the same. Some people think that classical music has no humour but this is not true. I have “showbiz flair” in my personality. Nothing thrills me more than being in front of an audience. I like to move my audiences to tears and sometimes even to make them laugh. I like to cross the barrier between performer and audience, so that we’re on the same