Standard Chartered’s “Symphony – Brands in Sync” celebrates Padma Bridge inauguration
Bangladesh’s first corporate band competition, Standard Chartered “Symphony – Brands in Sync,” concludes
The Grand Finale of "Symphony – Brands in Sync" took place on June 25, 2022 in Dhaka. Launched in November 2021, the musical competition is the first-of-its-kind in Bangladesh.
The competition was won by British American Tobacco Bangladesh with Unilever Bangladesh Limited claiming the first runner-up spot. Robi Axiata Limited was recognised as the second runner-up.
Among the finalists were British American Tobacco Bangladesh, BRAC, Marico Bangladesh Limited, Robi Axiata Limited, and Unilever Bangladesh Limited. The bands from the different companies performed a range of songs celebrating patriotism and the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.
The following awards were also given to this year's standout performers:
- Best Bassist: Tahmid Tishad Khan, British American Tobacco Bangladesh
- Best Drummer/Beatboxer: Muntasir Mynuddin, Robi Axiata Limited
- Best Guitarist: Shafaat Mridha, Unilever Bangladesh Limited
- Best Keyboardist: Grace P. Sengupta, BRAC
- Best Lyricist: Tahmid Tishad Khan and Saif Sohan, British American Tobacco Bangladesh
- Best Vocalist: Khadizatul Kobra Sraboni, BRAC
Bands performed in front of an audience of over 650 people and a judges' panel that included musical icons such as Bappa Mazumder, Partha Barua, and Naquib Khan. Guests included business leaders from local and international organisations. The event was headlined by Warfaze, featuring Sunjoy Kamran Rahman—the band's former lead vocalist.
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "We are delighted to celebrate these talented musicians and their inspiring performances on such an auspicious day – a day that celebrates our nation's 50-year journey of growth and prosperity. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for the inauguration of the Padma Bridge which to the millions of Bangladeshis, is more than a bridge, but rather a bold statement of Bangladesh's ability to turn dreams to reality."
He added, "I hope that this competition is only the beginning of each band's musical journey. I would like to thank our corporate clients for making this competition possible and for nurturing the creative talents of their colleagues. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Bappa Mazumder, Naquib Khan, Partha Barua, and Shafin Ahmed for their support and mentorship, and to Warfaze and our former colleague Sunjoy for their excellent performance."
This year's event marks the conclusion of the first iteration of "Symphony – Brands in Sync." During the preliminary stage of the competition, interested bands submitted pre-recorded audio tracks. The five finalists for this year's Grand Finale event were selected based on an assessment of the submitted tracks by the panel of judges. Once selected, finalists benefitted from two months of practice in addition to one-on-one mentoring from the trio of celebrity judges.