Naresh was very impressed by the skills of harmonica virtuoso, Jiayi He. He also had a long-standing love of the instrument, which he taught himself to play as a boy and could play both ways round. (Jiayi, on the other hand, can play five instruments simultaneously!) When the two of them first met, a strong musical bond was formed. Naresh was interested in having Jiayi as the soloist in a piece for harmonica and orchestra which he had originally written for Larry Adler. In the meantime, while they waited for this project to materialise, Naresh wrote Jiayi this short solo piece (2014) which he could perform anywhere the opportunity arose. (The larger-scale project still hasn't materialised, and anyone interested in bringing it to fruition should contact the Sohal Estate.)
Originally from China, Jiayi has lived for many years in New York. He performs widely across the USA and is a teacher on the faculty of the Brooklyn Music School. He has featured on 'America's Got Talent'.

Shades VIII

British composer of Indian origin, 1939-2018 - the first person to establish himself in the West as a composer of music in the Western classical idiom. Awarded Padma Shree in 1987 by the Indian government.  Produced over 60 pieces, ranging from chamber works to large-scale orchestral and choral works. Received eight BBC commissions. including two major Proms commissions.

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