December 31, 2009

A D A I LY F R E E N E W S PA P E R O N T H E M U S I C & D A N C E F E S T I VA L

THE DANCE
SPECTACLE
BEGINS
- ‘Yethiraja Vaibhavam’ by Zakir Hussain (photo
far below ) is solo thematic performance based on
Sri Ramanujacharya. On Jan 9, 7.30 pm -
Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. On Jan 13, 7.30 pm -
Bharat Kalachar-

‘Siva Swaroopa Thandava Lahiri’ - a celebration

of Siva is a journey that explores the philosophy,
form and multiple dimensions of Shiva’s thandava.
Krishnakumari Narendran’s production. On Jan 3,
6.35 pm - Bharat Kalachar-

‘Daayinee... The Eternal Giver’ is a

presentation in four acts brings out
A scene from Janani Jagath Karini - a production of Sheela Unnikrishnan
the various paths trodden by the
women of India through ages. The
music is composed by Bala Sai, Jathi
The curtains will now go up for - Baladevi Chandrasekar patterns by N.K. Kesavan
dance recitals. presents ‘Nandanar dance concept and
While some senior dancers have Charitram’ with music choreography by Revathi
performed through December ( to provided by Ramachandran. Conceived by
help a travelling rasika to enjoy S. Sowmya social activist, journalist and
music as well as dance in a short and home maker, late Radha
span of time ) most city sabhas host Kunnakudi Sridhar. On Jan 2 , 7.30 pm
dance recitals up to Pongal, M. Balamuralikrishna. - Indian Fine Arts,
sometimes beyond! There are 4 shows with at German Hall,
Most feature some very talented the first on Jan.3 at T. Nagar-
young artistes. There are a few good Narada Gana Sabha.
productions too. Here is a check list ‘Janani Jagath
of some productions to give you a - Ardhanarees-warar Karini’ - Set in six
feel of what is to come. Kuravanji - episodes, this
a dance production is a tribute
- The annual dance fest of The Music production to the Devi in various
Academy runs from Jan 3 to 9 2010. by Roja forms. The script is by
Tickets can be bought in advance. Kannan, Gayathri Sundaram, the
Priyadarshini Govind opens the fest with Priya Murle, lyrics are penned by
her recital at 6 p.m. There are three shows N. Srikanth Rukmani Ramani and set
daily. The 10 am and 6 p.m. ones are solos and Priya Dixit is to music by Kuldeep
and the 7.15 p.m. ones are productions. on Jan 17, 7.30 pm - for M. Pai and Sheela
The Bhagavata Mela troupe from Brahma Gana Sabha Unnikrishnan has produced
Mellatur will be performing at Academy, at Sivagami Pethachi this naatya.On Jan. 2, 2010 -
on Jan.8 at 7:45 p.m. A opportunity to Auditorium, Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana
witness a centuries old drama tradition. Alwarpet. Sabha
 RASIKAS FEADBACK
Feadback on ‘Is the season
pushing the seniors?
I am somewhat flummoxed with your piece titled ‘Is the season
pushing the seniors?’ published in the KB Daily.
The photo of Lalgudi Jayaraman and GJR Krishnan is of my
book release function - it was cropped by your staff. It seems that
only these two personalities are involved in some presentation - it is
not so.
Lalgudi Jayaraman came so kindly to my invitation and because
it was in memory of GNB, whom he has always held in high regard.
He did not make a speech but he watched the docu film made by
me with tears as did many members of the audience. We are
honoured that a living legend like Lalgudi Jayaraman graced the
function simply because he was convinced that it was a sincere
effort and we were not capitalising on his presence in anyway.
- Rupa Gopal, Chennai

I am a music lover who lives in USA and visit Chennai in

December to enjoy the music season every year. The article “Is the
Season Pushing Seniors” opens with the question should
T.V. Sankaranarayan accept so many concerts though he is
recovering from recent illness.
WHAT A LINE UP - Chelgelput Ranganathan, P S Narayanswamy, Vellore Ramabadran, TVS was in the USA recently on a concert tour performing at
Porf. S R Janakiraman and Prof. T R Subramaniam at one of the lec-dems at The Music Academy. least 3 concerts every week. He gave a wonderful 31/2 hour
concert in Boston where I live. I also attended his concert at the
Narada Gana Sabha two days ago where he gave a very good
concert though the length of the concert was some what shorter
MIDNIGHT MEDLEY than the usual 2 1/2 hours.
Your article also mentions Dr. N. Ramani. He travels to USA to
This is an annual New Year eve musical celebration that Carnatica and take part in the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana each year and
The Music Academy host at the Academy.It isn’t boisterous or gives a few concerts in other cities too. His concert at the Narada
entertaining.And it can swing in many different ways. Gana Sabha on a recent morning did not give any indication that he
Artistes take turns to present a few songs, some traditional , some was under pressure to perform.
Kalpakam Swaminathan and R. K. Srikantan both of whom are
popular but in true Carnatic style.
in their eighties still travel, perform and give great concerts. These
The show starts an hour before midnight and runs for about an hour. are a few examples to prove that age has nothing to do with their
Admission is free and the mood easy. If there is someone like T. N. ability to perform and spread the art that they love so much.
Krishnan on stage expect something unique. The hosts used to serve Now, about the remark on Lalgudi G. Jayaraman making public
traditional drinks and eats after it was all over. appearances. What is wrong with it? Seeing these legends on
stage in person will inspire many young audiences and witnessing
Wonder what K. N. Shashikiran has in store for you tonight. Carnatica
the appreciative reaction of the audience could prove to be more
has been all over the place this season so if the young man is in an therapeutic than any other traditional treatment.If one should
expansive mood he may offer a special Indian drink. perform or make public appearance should be the personal choice
of that individual and their families, not a matter for public
discussion.

Chamber concert Dinamani’s

Another point to remember - it is organizations who seek these
artists not the other way around.
- Durga Krishna
A thematic chamber concert will be
performed under the auspices of
Veenavaadhini in Mandaveli.
‘Isai Vizha Malar’ Conditions at sabha not good
This is in celebration of Arudra
Sikkil Gurucharan’s concert was The conditions inside the Narada Gana Sabha are getting to be
Darisanam which falls
on January 1, 2010.
scheduled at 4.00 pm one evening at ridiculous. There is no proper control of central air-conditioning
This concert is by Jeyaraaj and Sivagami Pethachi auditorium by which results in extreme cold in certain seating areas.
Brahma Gana Sabha. Addionally they have put barriers preventing patrons from
Jaysri under the auspices of crossing over to the front rows. For people who paid Rs.3000.00 in
Veenavaadhini, on Saturday, But in a turn of events, the annual
rows G.H and I, it is impossible for the women to go to the wash
January 2, 2010. 4-6 pm. edition of Dinamani’s ‘Isai Vizha Malar’
room as they are blocked by the barriers both in front and rear. I
The concert would be based on the was formally released. have addressed these issues with the organization with no avail.
Bhoologa Panchalinga Kritis of Nalli Kuppuswamy was to preside - Sam Nathan
Muthuswamy Dikshitar. but in his place Clevland
Trichur Narendran will be on the V. V. Sundaram did the honours.
mridangam and Rajani Shankar will Senior musician
provide a narration on each of the P. S. Narayanaswamy released the book
kritis. and police officer R. Nataraj received
Venue: Flat #12, Shanti Enclave, the first copy.
25, V. K. Iyer Road, Mandaveli, The publisher said that their aim is
Chennai - 600 028. to see that matters on classical music
reach all sections of the society.
Hindustani The book contains articles about
yesteryear stalwarts like GNB and
concert Semmangudi as well as musicians who
excelled in cinema like
Catch a grand Hindustani music M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar besides
recital by Kalaapani Komakali (daughter Carnatic music’s current top artistes
and disciple of pandit Kumar Gandharv ) like TNS, Aruna Sairam and Sudha
on Dec.31, 7 p.m. Ragunathan.
On Jan.1, 2010, after the sadas when There are also pieces on people who
thavil vidwan Valayapatti AR write on the arts and on musicologists
Subramaniam will be honoured with the like Dr. S.A.K Durga and
Sangita Kalanidhi title, the all woman Prof. S. R. Janakiraman.
percussion ensemble led by Sukanya
The book is priced at Rs.50.
Ramgopal will present a concert.
The group is called Sthree Thaal - Reported by V. Vasantha
Tharang.
About Us How to contact us!
KutcheriBuzz runs a website; www.kutcheribuzz.com. Shop No.22, Corpn. Shopping Cmplx.,
Updated daily. During the 'season' it publishes two guides - 77, C.P. Ramasamy Road, Alwarpet, Chennai-18.
for music and for dance concerts, and a daily newspaper. Ph: 24993767/24994599. email:editor@kutcheribuzz.com