In Kerala, this pianist feels at home

Thiruvananthapuram: “Thiruvananthapuram is my home in India,” Aveline Gram said in her tranquil yet profound colloquial Dutch-English tongue. The scent of coconut oil and the printed cotton pyjamas she wore did justice to her words as she sat cross-legged trying to relax after another round of her piano practice session.
An avid backpacker and much acclaimed piano artist from Belgium, Aveline had visited Kerala two times earlier to relish the ‘exotic and paradise-like’ greenery and backwaters.But when she arrived in the city last Monday to take part in a piano concert, it was an exhilarating experience for her for many reasons; football and payasam being on top in the list.
“I turned out to be a huge admirer of payasam after I savoured it along with the traditional sadya at a wedding function in Kollam during my last visit. I like the brown-coloured payasam that’s made of jaggery and coconut,” she said. Also, as a die-hard fan of Belgium football team, Aveline was very much impressed to see the vigour and enthusiasm of the soccer lovers here.
“From the yellow coloured T-shirt of Kerala Blasters football team, which I had brought at the match, to the taste of ada payasam, I have endless reasons which drive me to visit Kerala again,” she added.
When Aveline performed at the concert conducted by European Piano Teachers Association and Clef and Clanto Music School here on Monday, it turned out to be a first-hand experience for the audience who saw the Belgium-based artist in emerald green sari and traditional jewellery playing Bach and Clanto. The concert also featured compositions of Frederic Chopin, Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolai Kapustin and Franz Schubert performed by Aveline.
“My favourite composer is Chopin but I love the piece ‘liebestraum-3’ by Liszt the most. I had planned to wear sari for my concert much in advance. I wanted to feel and be one with the audience here. I am an avid traveller but I have never met people who are as much as warm and welcoming as they are in Kerala,” said Aveline.
At present, Aveline is in a state of confusion as she has to choose between Leh and Rajasthan as her next backpacking destination.