Toyota Classics is an annual series of concerts for classical music fans in Asia. This year the event took place between October 30 and November 16, 2008 in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Brunei, Taipei, Hanoi, Seoul and Mumbai.
On the evening of November 16, 2008 at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai, music lovers were introduced to the Vienna Operetta Orchestra, a renowned Austrian Orchestra who enthralled the audience with authentic classics penned by greats such as Johan Strauss and Franz Lehar. The audience was also treated to a special performance by India's very own and globally renowned violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam
The beneficiary of the inaugural Toyota Classics in India is 'Save the Children', a NGO working towards the empowerment of the disadvantaged children and women. The donation cheque was presented to 'Save the Children' by Mrs. Geetanjali Kirloskar, wife of Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, the Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
Speaking about the event Mr. H. Nakagawa, Managing Director TKM said, "We are indeed delighted to showcase the globally renowned TOYOTA CLASSICS for the first time ever in India. Toyota has always supported social and cultural causes and encouraged natural talent in every possible means. The TOYOTA CLASSICS is an example of one such cause. We do believe all of us can together create a better society by championing the cause of equality and equal opportunity in society."
Esteemed dignitaries at the concert included His Excellency Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Japanese Ambassador to India; His Excellency Mr. Ferdinand Maultaschi, Austrian Ambassador to India; Dr (Mrs) Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Mumbai; Mr Masayuki Nakai, Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation; Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
The response for the concert was overwhelming – tickets, priced Rs.1000 and Rs.2000 were sold out only a couple of weeks after going on sale. Toyota Kirloskar Motor was aptly supported by Save the Children and the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation, a not for profit organization that aims to foster a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation of western classical music in Mumbai.
When asked about his thoughts on the event, Dr. L. Subramaniam said, "It is wonderful that Toyota is promoting classical events in India by bringing the Vienna Operetta Orchestra down and it's a great pleasure to perform with them. I wish the Toyota Classics in India all the luck in future."
TKM has undertaken various social contribution initiatives over the years, to name a few:
· Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) - aimed at creating awareness about traffic safety among children, this year alone the programme will target 1,00,000 students across five cities
· The Toyota Technical Education Programme (TTEP) - aimed at enhancing the skill sets and employability of the ITI students in the 15-18 years age group. TTEP aims to support the industrial training institutes in the country to develop highly skilled young talented technicians for the automotive industry and thus improve their productivity
· Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) - an initiative to prepare industry-ready technicians. It is the first training school to be established outside Japan with a three-year course with practical training at the TKM plant
About The Vienna Operetta Orchestra
Formed in 1989 by conductor Siegfried Andraschek, the orchestra is made up of leading Austrian musicians who are also active with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera. Although perhaps best known for its dramatic presentation of popular works from the Golden and Silver eras of Viennese operetta, the Orchestra has an exceptionally wide repertoire, and has done much to help audiences rediscover some of the less well-known works of the genre too.
International solo artistes like Polish soprano Izabela Labuda and German tenor Michael Suttner will join the orchestra, under the skilled artistic direction and masterful conducting of Andraschek. The orchestra is widely acclaimed for its dramatic and engaging performances with romance, comedy, excitement and the musical beauty of Viennese operetta in full measure.
About 'Save the Children'
Save the Children India (STCI) is a leading international non-profit organization working towards the empowerment of disadvantaged children and women, with its health, nutrition, education and vocational training programmes. STCI has created special focus to highlight the plight of children and thereby generate a nationwide commitment through various projects that are conducted through the year.
Outline of TKM
Company name | Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited |
Location | Outskirts of Bangalore, Karnataka State |
Establishment | October 1997 (start of production: December 1999) |
Managing Director | Hiroshi Nakagawa |
Equity participation | TMC: 89%, Kirloskar Group: 11% |
Land area | Approx. 432 acres (approx. 1,700,000m2) |
Annual production capacity | Approx. 60,000 units(After second plant is operational, approx. 160,000 units) |
Products | Corolla, Innova |
2007 production results | 52,000 units |
Number of employees | Approx. 3200 (as of October 2008) |
Outline of Second TKM Plant
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