If you're a fan of classical music, you have to attend Dakshinayan, the Carnatic Music Festival. WHAT's ON tells you what to expect
If you're a fan of classical music, you have to attend Dakshinayan, the Carnatic Music Festival. WHAT's ON tells you what to expect
This weekend, music will be scaling new heights as two legendary Carnatic musicians enthrall the city with their soul-stirringu00a0 performances. The performance is part of the Carnatic Music festival Dakshinayan, which has been organised by the Banyan Tree.
ADVERTISEMENT
TV Sankaranarayanan is an eminent Carnatic classical singer. He started learning music at an early age from his uncle, Madurai Mani Iyer, and has given numerous performances countrywide as well as abroad. In 2003, he won the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to classical music.
What can the audience look forward to at the festival?
Sankaranarayanan: It will be a 90-minute programme and I will be singing three ragas in Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, as I want both the South Indian and North Indian crowd to enjoy it. My son Mahadevan Shashkar will also be accompanying me.
Ravikiran: Normally, you watch vocal concerts with instrumental support, but my instrumental show will have vocal support. It's a revolutionary idea and I hope the audience will appreciate it. My 15-year old disciple Anahita Ravindran will give me vocal support. To my knowledge, this is happening for the first time at any festival.
You have performed in the city on many occasions. What do you think about the audience?
Sankaranarayanan: Pune has a tradition of music and culture. I had performed long back at a concert for Spic Macay and was quite amazed at the crowd. The people in the city are bound by traditions and culture and it's enjoyable to perform here. Pune has got a mixed crowd and I have seen both Marathi and South Indian audiences at the concerts.
Ravikiran: It is definitely one of the better centres for musicians in the entire country. There are a lot of good festivals and musical events that keep happening here and the crowd is well-informed. Personally, my instrument Chitravina has a connection with Maharashtra as Sakaha Rama Rao, the pioneer of Chitravina, is actually from Maharashtra and it so happens that he was the guru of my grandfather.
Where do you see the future of Carnatic music?
Sankaranarayanan: There are good opportunities awaiting young singers and musicians. I have seen a lot of young crowd coming to the concerts and many of them are also taking this up as a profession. It was not a viable profession when I started and even today, one cannot earn like an IT professional. I have realised that it has become fashionable now, which is a welcome change.u00a0u00a0
Ravikiran: The future of a Carnatic musician is extremely good. There is a lot of collaboration happening with other musicians from various parts of the world. There is a lot of eagerness and talent among youngsters, but the ability to focus single-mindedly is missing. It's not only about focusing, but also how much time, energy and emotion you are investing to get your skills right.
u00a0
At: Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Kothrud.
On: March 7, from 7 pm
Tickets: Donor passes are priced at Rs 200, Rs 150 and Rs 100.
Available at: Yashwantrao Auditorium, Planet M, MG Road; Pune Central Mall, Bund Garden Road and Landmark.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
