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Rishi Sunak Endorses 7th Annual World Music Conference

Hon Prime Minister, of Great Britain, Rt Hon Mr. Rishi MP, endorses the 7th annual World Music Conference on Music and Intelligence…writes Sruthi Ramakrishnan FRAS

The British Carnatic Choir hosted the 7th Annual virtual World Music Conference on 15th December 2023 under the esteemed patronage of the United Kingdom Commission for the UNESCO.

It is the flagship music conference in the Midlands, which aims to bring together artists and musicians of all ages, faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds, with the hope of sharing intercultural values, practices, knowledge, commonalities and to promote peace, harmony, and togetherness.

The conference is supported by the conference Chief Patron- His Excellency Dr. Shashank Vikram, IFS, Consul General of India in Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the Patron of the British Carnatic Choir, Mr. Andy Street, CBE, Combined Mayor of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr. Paul Sabapathy CBE, Former Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Patron of the British Carnatic Choir.

James Ömer Bridge, Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the UK National Commission for UNESCO says:

‘We were delighted to offer Patronage to the 7th World Music Conference held in December 2023. The conference brings together music communities from around the world to celebrate, share and learn from one another, thus upholding UNESCO’s constitution by building “…mutual understanding and a truer and more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives”.’

The WMC strives to create a platform that allows individuals and communities to develop musical skills, enhance cognitive competence and creativity, and ultimately foster a deeper appreciation of music.

Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE, FRSA, FRAS, Founder, Director of The British Carnatic Choir, Founder, Curator of the World Music Conference comments on the theme of this year’s conference:

“The endorsement from our Hon Prime Minister, Rt.Hon. Rishi Sunak, MP is a tremendous honour and a testament to the significance of our most recent event. The Prime Minister’s recognition underscores the importance of exploring the intersection of music and intelligence, and we are grateful for the encouragement to continue our mission.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Right Honourable Prime Minister for supporting our cause. The endorsement not only adds prestige to our conference but also highlights the commitment to fostering discussions on the transformative power of music in enhancing intelligence and creativity. A Heartfelt Thank You to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP.

“It is our intention that this conference could springboard the redefinition of educational curriculums, positively impacting the way we currently go about teaching music to the younger generation.  our conference seeks to explore the synergistic relationship between music and intelligence, with focus on world music. The WMC seeks to respect intercultural variation and promote appreciation through music.

“This theme is topical at present, especially with the rapid growth of AI and its proliferation into various fields, from manufacturing to healthcare. This year, the conference vowed to examine the utilisation of AI into music practice and performance, considering how these situations can be enhanced for all stakeholders involved.”

MUSIC AND INTELLIGENCE

This year’s goals were centred around the theme of “Music and Intelligence”.

Identifying and establishing the relationship between music and intelligence in various cultures, considering the following key themes:

  • The psychological and neurological impacts of music on the brain.
  • How practicing music can be modified to increase intelligence.
  • The role of Artificial Intelligence in music composition, appreciation, and understanding.

The conference aimed to achieve these through a series of interactive, hands-on workshops, performances, keynote speeches, by renowned global experts and professionals.

Some of the featured keynote speakers/presenters at the conference were

 Professor Francisco Tigre Moura, Professor of Marketing, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany,

Professor Nassim Aissa Belbaly, Empathetic AI Founder, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Australia

 Dr. Shantala Hegde, Additional Professor (Neuropsychology) National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India

Professor Islah Ali-MacLachlan, Associate Professor, Audio Engineering and acoustics, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK

Dr. Lakshmi Balraj- Indian classical vocalist, Chief Officer and Head, Indian Dental Association, Mumbai.

Diamond Duggal, British-Indian music producer, composer, musician and AI researcher. London.

Dr. Ramya Palacholla, Director, Digital Science and AI, AstraZeneca, U.S.

The conference featured a special highlight called ‘Global Young Trailblazers’, a segment by young musicians  from different continents  showcasing  how they embraced AI in their music.

British Carnatic Choir Awards 2023-Celebrating Excellence in the Arts.

The 7th annual World Music Conference hosted the virtual awards ceremony of the 9th annual British Carnatic Choir Awards for arts and culture -2023.

The British Carnatic Choir (BCC) Awards for Arts and Culture honours individuals and organisations that have made a positive impact on society through their creativity and commitment.

The distinguished awardees for 2023 were-  

1. Professor Linda Merrick CBE- Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music.

2. Mr. Vibhaker Baxi- Chairman and Managing Director of UK-based Navras Records Limited

3. Professor Adam Palma- Professor of Jazz Guitar and a Voting member of The Grammy Recording Academy

4. Lucas Pedrosa – Guitarist, producer and arranger at Igreja Batista Nações Unidas – United Nations Baptist Church, São Paulo, Brazil.

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World Music Conference : Can music manage obesity?

The global incidence of obesity in younger individuals, is on the rise, despite the modifiable nature of the disease-causing behaviours and habits…writes Sruthi Ramakrishnan, FRAS –Youth member, Global Steering Committee

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern – in the UK alone, the National Child Measurement Programme highlighted a rise in obesity prevalence in children, especially in the last year.

Why is this bad? Childhood Obesity is a common risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases, including, but not limited to CVD, cancers, type 2 diabetes, periodontal disease, all of which severely impair one’s quality of life. It also adds further strain to our healthcare systems; obesity is thought to be associated with over 800,000 hospital admissions in the last year. The global incidence of obesity in younger individuals, is on the rise, despite the modifiable nature of the disease-causing behaviours and habits. As such, obesity is a growing public health concern.

Childhood Obesity can be categorised as a complex multifactorial disease, caused by some modifiable risk factors such as unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, and psychological factors. Conventional preventative advice and non-medication/non-clinical treatments involve recommending a lower calorific intake, and regular exercise. However, so far, this intervention has not ceased the ever-growing incidence of the disease.

To address this, the World Music Conference 2022 seeks to explore the theme: “Music to Promote Physical Health In Children And Adolescents”.

Our intention is to facilitate healthier lifestyle habits and choices in our participants, especially the youth, to prevent and manage the onset of obesity. We will delve into the impact music can have on some of the modifiable risk factors for obesity, such as the effect of music on psychological factors, the effect of music on nutrition, and the effect of music in inspiring movement.

We hope that the conference calls for change on an individual lifestyle scale, as well as a larger national and international scale.

Can music encourage healthier eating habits? How does music contribute to exercise motivation? Could music-based practice be instilled in school curriculums to encourage healthier habits in children? Find out at the World Music Conference, 10th December 2022.

Child Obesity (Rep Image/ ANI)

Let’s hear what some of the key members in the WMC team have to say!

Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan, MBE, FRSA, FRAS, Founder, Director of British Carnatic Choir and Curator of the World Music Conference comments on the theme of this year’s conference. “I believe that music and musical activities have the potential to equip children with a greater sense of self-awareness and self-control, which could be part of the answer to prevent or manage the growing obesity crisis.

As well as being mentally and creatively stimulating, music can be a great physical experience that encourages movement and exercise.

This year, the conference will look at how both children and parents may use music to foster a healthier lifestyle, certainly much needed at present, given the rise in obesity prevalence in youth according to the National Child Measurement Programme.”

Professor Sandeep Ranote, Medical Director and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist highlights the necessity for us to explore this topic, now, more than ever.

“Children and young people are one third of our population, but all of our future. Now, more than ever before, our youth face increasing challenges following a global pandemic, climate and financial challenges and navigating a complex digital world.

There is no greater wealth than our health and preventing ill health is vital not only through education and awareness but also through a range of holistic approaches to strengthen the toolkits for the next generations in looking after their own health and well-being. The creative arts have long been known for their positive impact and we must now build their evidence base so that they can be adopted globally as part of our approach to the obesity problem and in turn also support better mental health and well-being. All young people have potential but not all are provided with opportunity – together we can change this, and I am delighted to have been invited to be part of the World Music Conference 2022 – “Music to promote physical health in children and adolescents.”

Professor Abdul Rashid Gatrad, OBE, FRCP, Hon FRCPCH, MRCS, also expressed his joy over the conference and its worthy theme.

“Obesity should be classed as the most important non communicable disease that man-kind faces! We have to look at innovative ways, such as music, to combat the scourge of obesity and its ramifications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other ailments. Apart from genetic and other factors, excess food consumption is central to obesity. Food contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas production – so the message is clear! Furthermore, increasing global temperatures will lead to more inactivity and will increase obesity – not forgetting the impact of heat on medicines such as Insulin. It is predicted that by 2035 more will be spent on treating obesity and its associated complications than the cost of all cancers put together! So, there is no doubt that slowing down and stopping global warming will have a positive impact on the incidence of obesity.”

Highly acclaimed Brazilian pianist, composer, and educator, Professor Samuel Quinto adds:

“I am delighted to support the conference as an advisor on the Global Steering Committee and as an Ambassador to the UN. We will be launching an anthem to help create awareness of childhood obesity and help to build a platform for positive health outcomes through music.”

This conference seeks to foster a healthier lifestyle for the younger generation – so let’s hear from them! University student and Global Ambassador of the World Music Conference, Sruthi Ramakrishnan,FRAS states

“This topic could not be explored at a more relevant time – with the pandemic attributing to a more sedentary lifestyle for many school children and social exclusion/isolation (and ultimately poorer mental health), the following rise in obesity is no surprise. So how does the WMC come in? To deliver patient-oriented care in the healthcare field, we are always looking for an evidence basis to support clinical practice; I hope that this conference sparks conversation and inspires further research into the use of music in obesity prevention and management. If there is a scientific basis for a certain practice, people will be more likely to implement these changes to their routine, inducing healthier and happier living. We must not underestimate the power of music!”  

Hopefully this article has given you a greater insight into the WMC 2022, and we look forward to seeing you there on 10th December 2022 to learn more!

(Note: Hopefully this article has given you a greater insight into the WMC 2022, and we look forward to seeing you there on 10th December 2022 to learn more! For More Details, Visit: www.worldmusicconference.co.uk)

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Lite Blogs UK News

World Music Conference attracts participants from over 30 countries

Emaar Musical Band, Syria

Grammy and Academy winner, composer and music educator, Dr A.R. Rahman, wins the prestigious British Carnatic Choir Awards for Arts and Culture 2021 for his marquee project, The Sunshine Orchestra…reports Asian Lite News.

The World Music Conference (WMC) organises by the British Carnatic Choir is the flagship event in the Midlands. It aims to bring together youth, artists, musicians, professionals of all age groups, faith, race, and cultural backgrounds, to share good values, practices, knowledge, common values and to promote peace, harmony, and unity.

The 5th Annual World Music Conference is also organised by the British Carnatic Choir, in partnership with Consul General of India in Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City University and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as the Education Partners, The Nehru Centre in London (Cultural Wing of Indian High Commission in the UK), Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, ABCC, and a host of premier institutions and corporates from across the UK and abroad.

Syrian Qanun Orchestra Rojenda

‘’I am delighted to welcome the 5th Annual World Music Conference – taking place virtually this year in December. Music is an essential part of our wellbeing, and over the past months as we have all been living through the pandemic, it has lifted people’s spirits.  We have seen virtual choirs and musicalensemble springing up and bringing joy to thousands of people’s lives, young and old.I wish the Carnatic Choir and all the other performers my very best wishes and hope that it will be an event to remember and transformative for those participating’’, says Cllr Muhammed Afzal, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Patron, British Carnatic Choir.

South Indian Percussion, as part of Explore India celebrations to mark the 75th year of Indian Independence. Hemadith Thota, Siddharth Sriram

Karen Merkel, Non-Executive Director for Communication & Information, UK National Commission for UNESCO notes that, ‘’The UK National Commission for UNESCO is delighted to support this year’s World Music Conference and its important mission to promote the positive impact of music on the lives of young people. We warmly commend all the participants in building conversations about the influence of music on mental health and its powerful potential to communicate these ideas’’.

The conference theme focused on exploring the role of music in prenatal health, development health in children and behavioural patterns in adolescents. The over-arching aim of this two-day conference is to bring together and provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for leading academicians, scientists, researchers, and music scholars to share and exchange their perspectives on the conference theme. The conference received participation from over 30 countries, with musical performance by young people, talks and keynote speeches and panel discussion by 25 key experts in music, music education, Psychology and arts and culture management.

Dr Paul Sabapathy, CVO CBE, Her Majesty’s Former Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, Patron, British Carnatic Choir conveyed his warm wish for the programme, ‘’I am delighted that Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan has organised another excellent programme for the world music conference ‘decoding wellness for young people and adolescents through music’ in December, 2021. This excellent programme has the support of wide-ranging eminent people like the mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street, BCU, RBC and the first time UNESCO, UK Dr Rama Krishnan and her team should be congratulated in organising this excellent programme in addressing the huge challenges faced by young people during the covid epidemic, using the medium o music and culture to overcome the challenges. I wish the event a great success’’.

Panel Discussion – Dr Shantala Hegde, Dr. Adam Whittaker, Conductor Jonathan Mann, Mr. Sanak Athreya, Dr. Patricia Caicedo, M.D. MPH

World Music Conference theme music launched!

The theme music was performed by the young talented musicians from The Sunshine Orchestra, of the A.R. Rahman Foundation, a marquee project of the Grammy and Academy winning musician and composer Dr. A.R. Rahman. The original music was composed by Maestro Kala Ramnath and the renowned Saxophonist George Brook. The conference featured a special highlight of the theme music by the talented young people of The Sunshine Orchestra, which is a marquee project of the AR Rahman Foundation.

‘’I am not sure that I really experienced time travel until this new age of covid because it is extraordinary to find that a year has already passed since we were last gathering for the region’s wonderful annual world music conference. This year, the focus is on young members of our community, and I know that as always, the conference will demonstrate the power of music to bring us together and help underline the richness and diversity of our wonderful community here in the West Midlands, all the people who make us so very special. My very best wishes as always’’, commented Mr. John Crabtree, OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands.

Dr Steven Berryman, Director: Arts, Culture and Community for the Odyssey Trust for Education and a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College, London, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Professor François Colbert., Former UNESCO Chair in Culture Management and Chair in Arts Management at HEC Montréal were the two keynote speakers besides other distinguished speakers from across the globe.

Explore Brazilian music- Students from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, Sau Paulo, Brazil

The event is cherished with other performances included from Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, UAE, and choral-orchestral music by young people from Hongkong, Greece, Romania, Iraq, Egypt, Brazil, to name a few. The conference also included a special showcase of Indian Classical Music to commemorate the celebrations of the 75th year of Indian Independence.

The mental health of young people and adolescents is of increasing concern during the pandemic times, particularly and music is a powerful tool to help them relax, to protect children from damaging experiences and psychological disorders which can affect them well into adulthood. The conference has helped many young people from across the globe to encourage, come together and showcase their musical talents amidst challenging situations. This is a true reflection of their passion, commitment, and resilience to come together using music as a powerful medium.

Besides the excellent panel of experts from various disciplines sharing their valuable perspectives on the conference theme, the conference aims to emphasise on the mental health and mental health awareness in schools, which is the need of the hour.  Every child should be encouraged to take up a singing / instrumental music lesson, in addition to having sessions about mental health awareness. We are delighted to receive the excellent support from various professional organisations from across the U.K. and elsewhere to address and convey this important message to far and many. Dr. Chithra Ramakrishnan, FRSA FRAS, Founder, Director, British Carnatic Choir.

Dr.A.R. Rahman, Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, composer, and educator.

The conference also hosted the virtual awards ceremony of the 7th British Carnatic Choir Awards for Arts and Culture 2021. The distinguished awardees for 2021 were-

  1. Kelvin Lo- Music Educator and Children’s Choir Conductor, Founding Member of International Choral Conductors Federation, Deputy Principal of St Stephen’s College Preparatory School in Hong Kong,
  • Professor Samuel Quinto, FRSA – Neuroscientist, Educator, Pianist, Writer and Entrepreneur, Full Professor Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, United Nations Ambassador.
  • Eman Al Hashimi- First UAE Female Composer in orchestra and music soundtrack.
  • Dr A.R. Rahman, Grammy and Academy winner, composer and music educator for his marquee project, The Sunshine Orchestra.

“The World Music Conference is a brilliant annual event that helps to address the mental health of young people through music. It is great for the West Midlands that this flagship conference, endorsed by the International Music Council and ambassadors from around the world, is held here, and I wish everyone involved in this year’s event all the very best.” Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands noted.

Colin Touchin, Advisory member, British Carnatic Choir also greeted the event and said, ‘’The World Music Conference, organised by the British Carnatic Choir, collated speeches and conversations from distinguished musicians and educators from several countries and continents, alongside demonstrations and performances from performers, teachers, and international school ensembles. It presented a few snapshots of current thinking and experience in the fields of music education, support, empowerment, and healthcare, detailing many of the benefits, advantages and consequences of considerate music-making, music-teaching, and music-sharing. This powerful initiative is necessary for the dissemination and development of ideas, philosophies, and policies, and is made possible now through global communication and media, enabling the skilful and dedicated modern music professional to guide, nurture and shape future generations of music-makers and music-lovers’’.

Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan, FRSA,FRAS , Founder, Curator, World Music Conference

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice Chancellor, Birmingham City University opined that, ’I am delighted that Royal Birmingham Conservatoire colleagues have been able to bring their expertise to the conference, both through contributing to the panel discussions and to the musical content – in this case through our innovative ARCO initiative and our pupils in India’’.

The Nehru Centre in London (Cultural wing of Indian High Commission in the UK) is delighted to partner with the British Carnatic Choir for the 5th annual world music conference, with a focus on decoding wellness for young children and adolescents through music, which is particularly relevant in these post-pandemic times. The conference will also celebrate Indian classical music to celebrate the 75th year of Indian Independence says Mr. Amish Tripati, Minister (Culture), Indian High Commission, UK & Director, Nehru Centre, London.

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