More youngsters at music fests

Posted on 03/04/2015 in The Hindu

• By Ranjani Govind

  New generation of performers seems to have having their own set of admirers

  Till a few years ago, the classical music events of the Ramanavami Mandalis and Samitis in Bengaluru seemed to be post-evening relaxations for the elderly. The scene is different now, as youngsters are increasingly seen both on stage and in the audience.

  S.N. Varadaraj of Chamarajpet Ramaseva Mandali says, “You would be surprised to see our weekend audiences. Nearly 30 per cent are below 30. I am surprised to see youngsters singing along when Aruna Sairam was on stage this time.”

  This is being partly attributed to the programme schedule. “In our 31-day Ramothsava, we have special slots for young artistes, which is attracting young audiences,” says Mr. Lakshmi Keshava of Vani Kala Kendra in Basveshwarnagar. who has at least 25 slots for talented youngsters covering Carnatic, Hindustani, dance and Yakshagana.

  “We have 12-year-olds like Ramana Balachandar (veena) and Sameer Sharma (Hindustani flute), and 14-year-old vocalist Bhumika Madhusudan. They are part of our core slots,” he says.

  Dr. R.V. Raghavendra of Ananya Cultural Academy says reality shows on TV have helped attract youth to the classical genres. Mridangist H.S. Sudhindra says young artistes are tech savvy. They upload their music on Youtube and other social media, which brings in audiences.

  Seshadripuram Rama Seva Samithi has a special programme for the youth. “We see the response improving year-on-year,” says V.Tarakaram of the Samithi.

  Music fans we can look forward to seeing 12-year-old violinist Ram Sundar, grandson of Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, and young Akshay on the mandolin at the Chamarajpet Mandali. Another ‘special’ performance will be Vaikom Vijayalakshmi on the veena and vocals.

  She has nearly 300 ragas and 500 kritis in her kitty, which she learnt before she was 25.

  Last year, Bengaluru started a national youth fest ‘Kalavantha’ for Carnatic music. It was organised by Karnataka Fine Arts Council. Around 150 youths from all over India participated in the event.

   

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