Rahul Suntah returns to the Caudan Arts Centre on August 5 for Fantasia II following the success of last year’s first edition. He will perform songs from his debut album, which is set to be released in September on streaming platforms. This MacGyver a pianist and film music enthusiast, uses his instrument to break down the barriers between genres… Dominique Bellier
Rahul Suntah is a talented pianist with a passion for technology and film soundtracks—so much so that his solo performances sell out, and his recordings have racked up millions of views and over 100,000 followers on social media… He uses the piano as a one-man band, exploiting its percussive qualities by striking its sides, and adding a synthesizer and various software programs to incorporate other instruments or embellish his playing with a rhythmic or harmonic foundation, using the looping technique, which repeats a recorded sequence. To alter the sounds, he also draws inspiration from John Cage’s “prepared piano,” placing various objects between the strings.
Just as he expands the possibilities of the piano through his playing techniques and the use of electronics, he blends genres… His flexibility and versatility allow him to seamlessly transition between classical pieces and popular songs, electronic dance music and sega, rock, jazz, R&B, and Bollywood melodies, such as “Saiyaara” or “Gulabi Aankhen.” Earlier this year, he accompanied singer Rajesh Panwar in Mauritius and will soon be heading back to India. While he happily plays Hans Zimmer or Alan Silvestri for film scores, or Michael Jackson for pop, closer to home, his heart leans toward “Dodo Baba” by Sky to Be or “Li tourne” by Alain Ramanisum. In classical music, his preference is for Beethoven’s sonatas, and his reinterpretation of “Letter to Elise” is simply breathtaking!
