New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna to a musical welcome in the famous Austrian city for a historic visit on Wednesday. Modi was welcomed by Austrian artists who sang a Western rendition of Vande Mataram, in Vienna. Indias cultural ambassador, Vijay Upadhyaya was leading from the front of the country and led a choir and orchestra that performed for PM Modi. Posting it to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Austria is known for its vibrant musical culture. I got a glimpse of it thanks to this amazing rendition of Vande Mataram.”Austria is known for its vibrant musical culture. I got a glimpse of it thanks to this amazing rendition of Vande Mataram! pic.twitter.com/XMjmQhA06R— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2024Who is Vijay UpadhyayaVijay Upadhyaya is an accomplished conductor who is seeking attention worldwide for his achievements in music. He was born in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow. Now he has become well-known for leading the Vienna University Philharmonic and establishing the India National Youth Orchestra. His work is praised for uniting different cultures through music.“The conductor is an Indian who makes all of us proud – Vijay Upadhyaya, originally from Lucknow. He is the director of the prestigious Vienna University Philharmonic (among other international orchestras) and founded the India National Youth Orchestra. He is a proud Indian and often conducts Indian-styled music internationally,” Grammy-winning music composer Ricky Kej said in a post on X.The conductor is an Indian who makes all of us proud - Vijay Upadhyaya, originally from Lucknow. He is the director of the prestigious Vienna University Philharmonic (among other international orchestras) and founded the India National Youth Orchestra. He is a proud Indian and… https://t.co/YhpYLlLdG8— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) July 10, 2024About Vijay Upadhyayas early lifeVijay Upadhyaya was born in Lucknow and began his musical journey at a young age. He learned piano from his mother. Later he completed his masters degree in Tabla and Kathak dance. His passion for conducting musical events started in his teenage when he led his school choir at just 14 years old.After completing his studies at Lucknow University, he moved to Austria for further studies. Then, he developed his skills at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. He conducted choirs and brass bands in Eastern Styria, fully immersing himself in Austrian culture and becoming fluent in the local dialect.
