Chris Holman welcomes Lillian Werbin, Owner of Elderly Instruments, East Lansing, MI

In their conversation, Chris looked to find out several things from Lillian.
Lillian, welcome, can you share your career path with the Michigan business community?

Elderly Instruments, tell us about the company?

Big news for Elderly Instruments, recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?

How many companies were competing for this honor?

What does this mean for your company?

Talent is a big issue for small business, how have you dealt with this challenge?

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Michigan Business Beat | Lillian Werbin, Elderly Instruments - Named America’s Top Small Business!

The harmonium. So organic and familiar is its sound that few Indians would imagine that its origins lie outside their country. Yet, packed into its compact box-like shape is a fabled history that meanders from 19th century Europe to 20th century colonial India. 

An instrument invented — and patented — in Europe by a Frenchman, the harmonium was reinvented in colonial Calcutta by a Bengali instrument maker to suit Indian climatic conditions, musical playing styles, and affordability. While its sound drew congregations together, it equally irked nationalists and patriots who warned of its propensity to pollute the refined musical ear of Indians. Despite the opposition, the popularity of the harmonium spread like wildfire as it accompanied folk musicians of various persuasions across the country, and thereafter into the world as a cultural export with the Indian diaspora. 

Unpacking this fascinating tale for Radio Azim Premji University is Sharmadip Basu, who teaches history and social science at the university. Stay tuned for Unboxed - The Harmonium In India, in the first episode of a two-part series.

Credits:
Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

Trailer | Unboxed - The Harmonium in India with Sharmadip Basu

In the second part of "Unboxed - The Harmonium In India," host Sharmadip Basu details how the European-origin harmonium, adapted for Indian conditions, became a favoured instrument across genres. Despite its affordability, portability, and durability, nationalists criticised its foreign origins, and purists disapproved of its inability to handle microtones (shruti). Figures like Nehru, Gandhi, Tagore, and Coomaraswamy expressed their disdain, and eventually it was banned on All India Radio. Despite this, the harmonium flourished among the masses and gained acceptance among some Carnatic and Hindustani musicians. Frustrated by the ban, harmonium players staged a satirical funeral procession burying their instruments. The harmonium later returned to Indian airwaves and became a staple in musical genres among the diaspora. 

Listen to the full story on Ep 2 of "Unboxed - The Harmonium in India" on Radio Azim Premji University. Don’t miss the first episode of this series.

Credits:
Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Harshit Hillol Gogoi, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar 

For a detailed list of acknowledgments and resources for further exploration, visit our website: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/unboxed-harmonium-india

Ep 2 - How Indian is the Harmonium? | Unboxed - The Harmonium in India with Sharmadip Basu

One Man Band

Sansa Mi Sensi

3,2,1, I'm Gong

Hendrix Star

Keeps Tabs

No Strings Attached

Tickle The Ivory

The Pipers Call

Love Triangle

Pulling On The Heart Strings

Blew Horn

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Pianonova Sevilla 10

Unbranded Greek Bouzouki - 8 Stringed - Shellac Finish - Made in Greece c. 1980

This beautiful handmade Greek Bouzouki for the more advanced player, which has been fully restored by myself. It is an unbranded instrument, so it is very hard to determine who made it. 

Taverna Style Greek Bouzouki - Tone Ladders in G Major

Hi, my name is Gas No Light and Game For Experimentation. I've been making music for over 26 years now and have been and still make all sorts from synthy stuff like Vaporwave/Synthwave and Hauntology and general synthy vibes. I also make club stuff Jungle/Drum and Bass, House and Reggaetón, UK Garage and UK Funky which I enjoy making the most. Also, I like to make gaming music and Experimental music hence my other name but I do like making lots of different genres too.

You are listening to Radio Azim Premji University, our campus radio station. Azim Premji University was founded in 2010 with the vision to contribute to the realisation of a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. On our channel, you can tune in to a variety of engrossing shows on themes ranging from democracy and culture, science and mathematics, and more. You can also experience a slice of campus life. If you are a seeking student, an arts aficionado, curious about science, or just passionate about India, subscribe and start listening.

Credits:
Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

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Restorer of musical instruments since 2014.

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