Harpreet Bansal

Norwegian Grammy nominee,  Harpreet Bansal is a classical musician who combines her undergraduate degree in Western classical music and master’s degree in Indian music to masterfully compose her unique upcoming album Parvat.

Although I'm not well-versed in classical music, this album certainly piqued my curiosity and I found the discovery of this music very exhilarating and uplifting.

I had the opportunity to speak to Harpreet ahead of the release of her new album, here she is in her own words.

How does it feel to be a Grammy nominated artist?

"It’s always nice to be appreciated!"

The album is comprised of 3 tracks, each over 10 minutes long, what was your process for writing these pieces?

"First of all, it is one piece, in three parts. A bit like a classical concert for soloists and orchestra. But yes, it is long and that’s it is called Parvat which means mountain, something big. I always seek to enter a state of creative focus when I compose. On a good day it floats very naturally.

I brought forth the themes by playing the violin and singing and found raga-based harmonies on the piano. I mixed it with some minimalistic and serialist techniques and simple things like canons and sequencing and other stuff. In the end I had a draft score.

But to make the orchestra sound really good I was fortunate to have the help from two prominent Norwegian composers and arrangers, Jan Martin Smørdal and Jon Øivind Ness. They worked on the first and third movements respectively. I worked closely with them, and they both really put their signatures on the sounding result. The second movement is for soloists only and it is like a rhythmic game."

You studied Western and Indian styles, that clearly influences your music. But is there anyone in the classical music genre that inspires you?

"In western classical music I always loved to listen to the gorgeous sound of Itzak Perlman. For Indian classical music Pandit Ram Narayan and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia."

Given the impact of the pandemic, what sort of effect did this have on you as a musician?

"Like so many other musicians all tours were cancelled. After a while I had the opportunity to perform quite a lot, but I miss travelling like I used to."

When you're not playing classical music, what other things do you like to do?

"I like to spend time with my family, I have two children and a husband who is also a musician. Also, I love going to concerts to find inspiration."

Is there anybody either in or outside of the classical music scene that you would love to collaborate with?

"A gig with Shakti would be great."

What initially drove you to pursue a music career?

"My father taught me ragas from when I was two. Our house was full of music – I didn’t know what else one could do!"

Is there any other instrument you would love to be able to play?

"I wish I were a better pianist…"

Do you think classical music has become more available to listeners since the rise of social media and streaming services?

"Yes, absolutely. Everything is available instantly, and you can reach far more people than before. Social media also makes the music reach younger audiences. It’s good that the music is more widespread, but the problem with streaming, and especially streaming concerts, is that audiences might not attend concerts but watch a screen instead."

Final word: Harpreet Bansal takes the mic 

"Go to concerts and support your artists!"

It was an experience speaking to Harpreet and I feel a little more educated in the unfamiliar realm of classical music.

For the classical music enthusiasts amongst you, you can find Harpreet Bansal's music on Spotify, don't forget to Follow to keep up to date with all the latest content.

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