This section has all the buzz on the December Season. You can also read interviews with some of the awardees of this season and exclusive features on various themes.

Dancers from Dubai

Dancer Padmini Krishnamoorthy from Muscat presents a thematic dance feature, 'Panchakriya' themed on the nature's five elements on Dec. 31 at 7.15 pm at Nungambakkam Cultural Academy. Padmini is a disciple of guru Ranganayaki Jayaraman.

Padmini's students from Musact, Taarika Chaitra Sridhar and Shivani Krishnamoorthy will also be featured in the programme, alongwith the disciples of Ranganayaki Jayaraman.

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Carnatica's New Year bash

All set for New Year's eve?
So, what are your plans?
If you're still wondering, this is for you.
Carnatica's 'Ethnic New Years Eve' at The Music Academy.

Carnatica, the music organization cum portal founded by vocalists Sowmya and Shashikiran has been hosting an ethnic New Year's party for the past few years. Carnatic musicians come together for a traditional welcome to the New Year with midnight chants and classical music.

Tomorrow night on Dec. 31, at 11 pm, a galaxy of popular vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers come together at the Academy to present a two-hour music-dance medley and a chanting of 'Om' at the stroke of midnight.

Traditional eats and drinks such as 'sundal' and 'panagam' will be offered.

More than 50 musicians participate including maestros like T.N. Krishnan, R.K Srikantan, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, popular artistes like Ravikiran, Sowmya, T.M. Krishna, Vijay Siva, Ranjani and Gayathri, O.S. Arun, Malladi Brothers and youngsters like Sikkil Gurucharan, Suryaprakash, Nisha Rajagopal among several others.

Instrumentalists Srimushnam Raja Rao, Dr. Ramani, R.K Shriramkumar, Neyveli Narayanan and Rajhesh Vaidya will also rock the evening.

Individual performances, tributes to musicians who passed away during the past year, a short costume skit and musical mimicry, group renditions and a few surprises are in store.

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Hindusthani music concerts

While the December Season predominantly features Carnatic music concerts, a few concerts of Hindusthani music are also held.

Concerts scheduled on Dec. 31 :
Madhavi Mudgal (Hindusthani vocal) - 6.30 pm - Brahma Gana Sabha (Petachi Hall)
Ajay Chakraborti (Hindusthani vocal) - 4 pm - Krishna Gana Sabha
Amjad Ali Khan (sarod) - 7.30 pm - The Music Academy

Photo shows Madhavi Mudgal conducting a workshop in Hindusthani music at Kalakshetra on Thursday.

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Margazhi Bala Utsavam

The 'Mylapore Trio' of Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation host 'Margazhi Bala Utsavam' a festival for children, from January 23 to 29, 2006, at R.K. Swamy Auditorium, Sivaswamy Kalalaya, Mylapore.

Competitions are to be held in Bharatanatyam, Mohini Aattam, Kuchipudi, Keerthanai, Thiruppavai, Thiruvempavai, Maa Kolam, fancy dress, flower decoration, painting, junk art, essay writing (English), bhajans, light classical songs.

Contests will be held for various age groups, as solos and group performances. Titles and attractive prizes are in store.

Preliminary rounds will be held on Jan. 7, 8 and 15, 2006.

To register contact: S. Surendranath, New No. 2, 4th Trust Cross Street, Mandavelipakkam, Chennai - 600 028. Ph: 9382698811 / 24935521. E-mail: sri_srmf@yahoo.com Website: www.srimylaporetrio.in

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Kutcheris at Sastri Hall

G.K. Foundation Trust hosts a music festival from Jan. 1 to 10, 2006 at Sastri Hall, Mylapore. At the inauguration, Carnatic vocalist O.S.Arun will be honoured with the title, 'Namasankeerthana Ratna'.

Arun will present a 'Bhajan Sandhya' at 7 pm.
For more info, contact: 2495 0221

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Refresher course at Annamalai University

The Department of Music, Annamalai University invites resource persons and participants from various universities, colleges and music institutions to take part in the U.G.C. sponsored refresher course from February 6 to 27, 2006.

Participants can choose their own topic on music or dance and present their lec-dem for about 3-5 hours. A synopsis of the subject should be sent to the University on or before 10 January for approval by the Dean.

A two-day seminar on music and dance is also scheduled on March 2 and 3, 2006

Send the details to O.S.Thiagarajan, Dean – Faculty of Fine Arts and Department of Music, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram –608002.
Ph: 04144-239098

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Chat with Leela Samson

Senior Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson took over as Director of the Kalakshetra Foundation, early this year. An alumnus of Kalakshetra, she has been one of the top performers in the country and worked out from Delhi. Having moved to Chennai recently, she has a huge task ahead of her, in heading one of India's leading institutions for fine arts, founded by the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale. Just after her lec-dem at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's auditorium on Dec. 22, she shared some of her thoughts with Aruna. S of KutcheriBuzz...

How has the past few months been as Director of the famed institution?
It's been very hectic. I've been challenged. Many of us have grown up here. And it's a privilege to be given an opportunity to carry on the good work here. Is a 70-year old institution and its a tough job to carry with us the past and look towards the future. And there is a present as well. I'm sure if God is with us, we'll come out triumphant.

Any new plans?
We've now started using the open-air theatre. We plan to use it for classes and for public workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances. Not only outsiders, but our own staff and students will have opportunities to perform here. Plans are on for folk theatre events. A film club is to be opened soon.

The students should be sensitised to any artform and you have to tune your eyes to anything that is aesthetic. The students should not be exposed only to dance and music. They need to see a larger picture. We've also planned workshops in artforms like Odissi, Manipuri and Hindusthani music.

I would like the students to actually watch other artforms, make notes and present them in their exams, instead of reproducing something from books.

What is your focus right now?
A change in the mindset of people. Very often we tend to get into this 'lull'. When we inherit a huge property we tend to think of it as a good cushion and sit on it. But that is the fastest way to loose it as well. We have to push the barriers and build up on it.

Are new choreographic works in the offing?
Yes, yes, but it will happen slowly...

And arts festival is now on at Kalakshetra. Here is the schedule of lec-dems at the open-air theatre starting tomorrow. Time: 9.30 am daily.
Dec. 29 - Workshop on Hindusthani music - Madhup Mudgal
Dec. 31 - Lec-dem on Odissi - Madhavi Mudgal
Jan. 2 - Lec-dem on Kathakali - Sadanam Balakrishnan
Jan. 4 - Lec-dem on Manipuri - Priti Patel

Kalakshetra can be contacted at Ph: 2452 1169.

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Symposium on traditional dance culture

Tapasya Kala Sampradaya and The Mangala Initiative present a symposium themed on the traditional dance cultures of South India on Dec. 29 and 30, at Hall No. 7, The New Woodlands Hotel, Mylapore.

The day-long programme commences at 10 am on both days. The senior prince of Thanjavur, Babaji Rajah Bhonsle inaugurates the event.

Dec. 29 features a screening of 'Marayunduvarum Marabugal', a documentary on the ancient traditions of Bharatanatyam, talks on Kuravanji and repertoire of the devadasi tradition, felicitation to yester-year temple dancer P.R. Thilakam on her 80th birthday and a presentation of Thyagesa Kuravanji by Thilakam.

Dec. 30 features presentations on compositions of Thanjavur Quartet, padams and javalis, interactive session and a dance performance by Hari Krishnan and Vidya Narayanan.

For more info, contact: 42019497, 98415-32382.

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M. Lalitha's book on violin techniques

Chennai based violinist Dr. M. Lalitha has published her doctoral thesis as a book. Titled 'Violin Techniques in Western and South Indian Classical Music: A Comparative Study', the book has been published by New Delhi based publisher Sundeep Prakashan.

The book deals with different violin playing styles in Western and South Indian classical styles, and also features views of legendary musicians and violinists.

Lalitha and her sister M. Nandini, have been performing widely in India and abroad. Lalitha has been awarded the 'Fulbright Fellowship in Performing Arts' for the year 2005 and is currently studying World Music and Fusion at the Department of Music, University of Pittsburgh, USA. And Nandini has been awarded the Charles Wallace Trust Fellowship from UK. She is now working on World Music at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.

The duo present Kapri, a fusion music concert featuring global music styles at 10 am on Jan.1, 2006 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's auditorium.

For more info on the book, contact M. Lalitha, e-mail: mslalithanandini@yahoo.com

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'Pondicherry' in dance

Pondy based musician and Bharatanatyam dancer Raghunath Manet presents 'Pondicherry', a thematic Bharatanatyam performance on Dec. 30 at 5 pm at Besant Nagar Vinayakar temple.

Manet is just back from his European dance tour, after performing a new dance production 'Kuravane' along with his team of nine dancers and musicians.

For more info, check www.raghunathmanet.com

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Trichy Sankaran celebrates

Kalalayam Percussive Arts Center and the students of senior mridangist Trichy Sankaran will celebrate the golden jubilee of their guru's music career.

It is 50 years since Sankaran's debut at the concert of the late Alathoor Brothers, alongside his guru, the mridangam maestro Pazhani Subramania Pillai.

An event has been planned to be held tomorrow (Dec. 30) at 9 am at The New Woodlands Hotel, Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai.

Following the felicitation function, a music concert features T.N. Seshagoplan - vocal, M.Chandrasekaran - violin and Guruvayoor Dorai - mridangam

For more info, contact: kalalayam@gmail.com

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Educational Radio features kutcheris

Gyan Vani FM (104.2 MHz) Educational Radio Network of India, functioning under Indira Gandhi National Open University is an educational aid made available by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India. The radio features lectures, interactive programmes and curriculum based lessons to students.

Gyan Vani broadcasts programmes on music and music concerts too in its daily slots. It features an hour of music per week. Says B.R. Kumar, Station Manager, Gyan Vani, "The radio functions as a co-operative partnership venture, where the participants provide learning material for broadcast free of cost. In order to enhance the richness of the broadcasts, we now invite musicians to contribute to the radio."

Carnatic vocalists / instrumentalists are invited to send their music CDs for broadcast on Gyan Vani. The artistes must have the copyright for the CDs. On a written request from artistes, Gyan Vani provides free 'air time' for broadcast of their music.

If you wish to send your CDs, contact B.R. Kumar, Station Manager, Gyan Vani FM Educational Radio Network of India, Indira Gandhi National Open University (Regional Centre), C.I.T. Campus, Taramani, Chennai - 600 113. Ph: 22542277, Mobile: 98410-72133, E-mail: kumarbr20@hotmail.com

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Rajeswari Sainath's thematic dance recitals

Hyderabad based Bharatanatyam dancer Rajeswari Sainath presents 'Trimurthy', a thematic presentation tomorrow (Dec. 28) at The Music Academy. This show features episodes relating to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and their combined form as Dattatreya.

On Dec. 29 at Narada Gana Sabha, Rajeswari presents 'Laya - Abhinaya'. This features an adaptation of the 'Tani avartanam in music' to Bharatanatyam. Various types of percussion instruments like mridangam, tabla tarang and Hujini drums will be used as accompaniment.

Rajeswari is the recipient of the 'Nrithya Choodamani' award from Krishna Gana Sabha this season.

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Kunnakudi and Valayapatti team up

Violinist Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan and thavil artiste Valayapatti A.R. Subramaniam team up for a concert on Dec. 29 at 6.30 pm at the Valayapatti Nadhalaya festival at Hemamalini Kalyana mandapam, Royapettah.

The two maestros team up for the second time after a gap of 15 years now. The last time they played together was at Parthasarathy Swami Sabha two years ago. Before this it was at Thiruvaiyaru in the late eighties, that the maestros teamed up, before which the duo performed over 3000 kutcheris together.

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Album sale at Shankara Hall

Saraswathi Stores is holding 'Margazhi Thingal', a music season sale at Shankara Hall, Alwarpet. More than 1000 albums of all leading brands are available here. Special offers and discounts are also given. Demos of dance DVDs are also presented.

The sale is on till New Year's day.

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Bharatanatyam solo: still a huge attraction

With thematic dance shows and dance-dramas on the increase, do solo performances in Bharatanatyam have an audience?

Well, if you were at Malavika Sarukkai's concert at Narada Gana Sabha last week, you would have known.

A full house show, audience sat through the entire evening.

Artistes like Alarmel Valli, Urmila Sathyanarayanan and Priyadarshini Govind, who are known for their solos, have also been drawing a huge audience this season.

Besides an artiste's performance skills, one way to draw lay rasikas and visitors from abroad, could be to introduce each dance number, before the actual performance. In her concert, Malavika demonstrates a short synopsis of each dance number, for about two minutes, as the compere announces the meaning of the verses.
This may help rasikas understand and follow what the dancer is performing. Especially when the songs may be in a language unknown.

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Art festival at Kalakshetra

Kalakshetra Foundation hosts its 53rd annual art festival from December 26, 2005 to January 4, 2006 at its campus in Thiruvanmiyur.

The fest features dance-dramas by Kalakshetra artistes, Carnatic vocal by R.K. Srikantan, violin by A. Kanyakumari, Bharatanatyam by Priyadarshini Govind, Kathakali by P.S.V. Natya Sangha of Kottakkal, besides Hindusthani concerts and workshops in Odissi, Manipuri, Kathakali and Hindusthani music.

For more info, contact: Ph: 2452 1169.

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Dancing the rain...

Dancer Indira Kadambi presented a thematic dance feature, 'Varsha Rithu - The Monsoon' at Petachi auditorium, on Saturday morning on Dec. 24.

Themed on rain, the resource persons for this prodcution were Prof. Raghuraman (Tamil) and Prof. Arunachalam (Sanskrit). The script was by Shreekumar Varma, Indira Kadambi and Chaman Raj Pincha and the music was composed by Indira's musician husband T.V. Ramprasad.

This show was presented by Indira's Ambalam Centre for Arts.

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Performing arts on screen

A film festival on performing arts opened last morning on Dec. 24 at Sathyam Cinemas.

Well known film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, dancers Lakshmi Viswanathan and Leela Samson, writer V. Sriram and Prasanna Ramaswamy, curator of the fest, spoke on films and performing arts, and the significance of this fest.

The fest showcases biographical films on some of the leading artistes of Indian music and dance.

It is hosted by Sathyam Cinemas in association with Kalakshetra Foundation. The screenings are scheduled between 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon daily. Invitations can be collected at Sathyam Theatre.

Tomorrow morning (Dec. 26) features 'Samarpan' a film on dancer Malavika Sarukkai.

Films on nadaswaram vidwan Sheik Chinnamoulana and Carnatic musician Balamuralikrishna is scheduled on Dec. 28, and on dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy (Dec. 29), besides other interesting screenings.

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Nadhabrahmam's music fest

Nadhabrahmam hosts its 4th year music festival from Dec. 26, 2005 to Jan. 1, 2006 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's auditorium, Mylapore.

The title of 'Naada Kovida' will be conferred on Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghunathan. Fest features top artistes and young musicians.

Check out www.naadhabrahmam.com for the fest schedule.

For tickets, contact: 93810 43396.

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Tamil Isai fest in Anna Nagar

Kartik Fine Arts hosts its Tamil Isai festival on Dec. 26, at Valliammal College for Women, Anna Nagar, Chennai.

The 'Tamil Isai Vendar' title will be conferred on senior musician M. Balamuralikrishna and the 'Sirkazhi Sri Govindarajan Memorial Award' will be presented to mridangist Madras A. Kannan.

Kutcheris are on till 1 January, 2006.

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Kutcheris at Kamarajar Hall

'Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru', a music festival is on till this evening at Kamarajar Arangam, Anna Salai.

On the opening day, Thyagaraja's pancharathna kritis were rendered by a group of musicians, led by senior Carnatic vocalist P.S. Narayanaswamy. The fest featuring top artistes was hosted by Chennai based Lakshman Sruthi Musicals, Nataka Academy and U.S. based Kalalaya, with Worldspace Satellite Radio as the main sponsor.

For more info contact, Ph: 2471 8080, E-mail: lakshmansruthi@eth.net

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Doordarshan's VCDs on Pancharatna Kritis

Doordarshan has been releasing CDs and VCDs of the concerts and dance performances from its archives to the public. Recently, DVDs and VCDs of Saint Thyagaraja's Pancharatna Kritis and the 'Nauka Charitam' have been brought out.

Chitravina Ravikiran has introduced the annual Thyagaraja Aradhana celebrations held at Tiruvaiyaru (Thanjavur dist., Tamil Nadu) in the VCD.

Five kritis of Pancharatnam are compiled from the DD recordings of five different year's celebration. It gives the viewers an overall glimpse of the annual aradhana in which a large number of musicians take part at the samadhi of this saint-composer on the banks of the river Cauvery.

Nauka Charitam', one of the two musical plays composed by Thyagaraja, is an imaginary excursion of Lord Krishna with the Gopis of Brindavan in a boat on the river Yamuna. This is presented as a dance drama in the VCD, choreographed by Radha and presented by her alongwith her students.

The VCDs are priced at Rs.295 and are available at all Doordarshan Kendras.

If you wish to buy these albums, you may also do so through the Shopping section on sales@kutcheribuzz.com

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Carnatic Guitar: for and against!

Guitarist Prasanna returned to The Music Academy after a hiatus, on Tuesday evening.

And he had two talented musicians, A. K. Palanivel on the thavil and Karthick on the ghatam, to give the kutcheri a certain swing and energy. "I enjoyed what I did," Prasanna said later. "But I would love to see the audience also react spontaneously whenever people want to ...any artiste looks for a response!". He did receive a warm response at the end of each song.

But the reaction in the VIP lobby was mixed. Oldies still cannot relate to the guitar. Others appreciate the talent.

But where are all the fans of one of Madras' most talented guitarists who otherwise gather at the Alliance Francaise or at the OAT at IIT-Madras when he performs there?

Dancer Lakshmi Vishwanathan, also a Academy team member, thinks she has some ideas on how to get young people to the Academy.

Prasanna performs at PSBB school, K K Nagar for Sri Rama Bhakta Jana Sabha on Dec. 26, at 6 pm.

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Floating Canteens

Canteens are a parcel of the 'season'. Food competes with music at every sabha worth its filter coffee.

But the rains have dampened the spirits of the owners, cooks and stewards.

The canteen at Sri Parthasarathy Sabha was 'floating' in some water - thankfully, the tables and chairs are kept clean and warm! And the filter coffee is available as late as 10.30 pm.

If you dine late at the canteen at MFAC, you get bonus 'side dishes' - the bonus has a lot to do with how business has been that evening.

The stewards and supervisors are warm folks at the canteen at The Music Academy - one man patiently educated a foreigner on the lunch spread of the day but couldn't convince him to drop the spoon and eat, using his fingers!

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Book on Kalakshetra's 'Periya Sarada'

'Nirmalam: The Genius of S. Sarada', a book on the life of Kalakshetra's S. Sarada, known as 'Peria Sarada teacher' was released on December 17, at the Natya Kala Conference at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.

The book published by Arangham Trust, features a first person account by S. Sarada of her early years in life, theosophy and Kalakshetra.

Edited by dancer Anita Ratnam in consultation with G. Sundari, a close associate of Sarada, the book also carries anecdotes and tributes paid to Sarada by scholars, teachers, dancers, students, friends and well wishers.

For copies, contact Arangham Trust at Ph: 28524917.

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Thiruppavai on DVD

Andal's Thiruppavai is now on DVD.

The 30 pasurams of Thiruppavai, in classical Tamil created about 1300 years ago, has been featured in a DVD, integrating dance, music and discourse.

The music has been composed by B.V. Balasai and the songs have been rendered by vocalist Saindhavi. The dance choreography and presentation of the Thiruppavai is by G.P. Bhargavi, a student of guru K.J. Sarasa.

A discourse on Thiruppavai, explaining the meaning and content of each pasuram, has been provided by M.V. Venkatakrishnan.

The DVD has been produced by Double Positive Media Production.

For more info and video snippets, visit www.thiruppaavai.com

E-mail: dp@doublepositive.in Website: www.doublepositive.in

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Booklet on lec-dem papers

Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha has released two booklets for this season.

One book gives the bio-data of experts who present papers in the morning sessions. The second booklet is titled as 'Isaikkaruttarangam-December 2005'. This book contains about twelve articles. The first article by Jagannathachariyar traces the history of the sabha. The second one is a brief life sketch of Walajapet Venkataramana Bhagavatar by T.S.Parthasarathy. Prof. S.R.Janakiraman has written in detail about the role of gamakas in Karnatic music.

Other articles feature - 'Raga and Rasa theory' by Dr. SAK Durga, 'Nayaka-Nayaki bhava in Tamil padas' by Dr. Subhashini Parthasarathy, a critical analysis of Sri Tyagaraja Pancharatnam by Dr. Radha Bhaskar.

Dr. G.R.Srinivasan has written about Nathamuni's contribution, Dr. Pakkirisamay Bharathi about Uttukkadu Venkatakavi, Dr. M.B. Vedavalli has traced Navavidha bhakti in the compositions of Purandaradasa, Dr. M.A.Bhageerathi has written elaborately on the references to musical instruments in Divyaprabandham and Dr.V.V.Srivatsa has written about the triangular relationship existing between the musician, organisers and the rasika.

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Concert Etiquette

Here are some of the points that the daily ticket at Narada Gana Sabha lists out as 'Concert Etiquette'.

- Please don't leave your hand-bags or kerchiefs in your seat.
- Patrons using the open space in front of the 'VIP' row, are requested to enter or exit    only at the end of a kriti, dance item or drama scene.
- No food or drink or any form of eatable is permitted inside the auditorium
- Audio, video recording, photography not permitted inside the auditorium.
- Cell phones, packet recorders are to be switched off.
- Requested not to go to the stage at the end of a programme
- Requested not to inconvenience others during concerts by engaging themselves in    singing or conversation

But sadly, most rasikas ignore these suggestions. Most annoying are doors being opened and shut.

Even VIPs walk in and out in the middle of a performance. At Malavika's performance at Narada Gana Sabha this week, one of the leading arts promoters in the city did just this.

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SNA awards announced

Sangeet Natak Akademi, the apex body for arts in India announced its awardees for this year on December 21, 2005. Carnatic vocalists P.S. Narayansawmi and S.V. Parthasarathy, senior violinist V.V. Subrahmanyam and Bharatanatyam guru Radha are among the recipients of this prestigious honour.

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Hearty HeartBeats!

What started as an idea seems to have found a permanent space in the kutcheri circuit. Karthick's HeartBeat Ensemble is having a busy season this December. And this, after a two-month long tour of the USA recently.

The huge-made ghatam artiste is grinning. "Managing a team of talented musicians on a long overseas tour is like managing the Indian cricket team," he says.

"Members of groups which land at Chennai airport after a tour are known to go out through different gates!"
How did he play the smart manager?
"Everything was transparent."

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Valayapatti Nadhalaya festival

The Valayapatti Nadhalaya festival will open tomorrow evening (Dec.24) at Hemamalini Kalyana mandapam, Royapettah.

'Nadhalaya Siromani' awards will be presented to veteran Bharatanatyam guru Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy, mridangam artiste Palghat Raghu, music patron K. Ravi and actor Nagesh.

'Kashyap scholarships' will be awarded to young nadaswaram and thavil players and 'Kashyap child artiste' awards to young instrumentalists.

Inagural concert features vocal by Neyveli Santhanagopalan. The fest is on till 1 Jan. 2006 and is open to all.

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Book on raga identification

A book on 'Raga Identification and Pancharatna kritis' has been brought out by K. Balasubramaniam of Balaganamrutham.

The first part of the book has a listing of Carnatic kritis in alphabetical order, with their raga and name of composer. The second part has Thyagaraja's pancharathna kritis with notation.

The book is priced Rs. 51.
Copies are available at the KutcheriBuzz office. Contact, Ph: 24994599.

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Dance fest at Mahabalipuram

Tamil Nadu Toursim hosts its annual dance festival at Mahabalipuram between December 23, 2005 and January 27, 2006. The 7th century carvings at the rock cut temples of the Pallava dynasty form the backdrop for this fest. The historic venue is a few miles south of Chennai.

For more info, call Ph: 25366633 E-mail: ttdc@vsnl.com

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Thematic dance shows (Dec. 24)

'Siriya Thiru Madal'
A solo thematic dance production by veteran artiste Vyjayanthimala Bali. This production depicts Thirumangai Azhwar who takes the form of a heroine in love, and challenges lord Narayana. The production also includes the portrayal of a kurathi. 6.30 pm, Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (Vanimahal).

'Sri Mahaganapathy'
A multi-media dance production themed on mythological stories relating to lord Ganesha, choreographed by Krishnakumari Narendran and presented by students of Abinaya Natyalaya. 7.30 pm, Bharat Kalachar.

'Konjum Salangai'
A thematic presentation in Bharatanatyam, featuring the popular film melodies of well known lyricist Kannadasan. Choreographed by Radhika Shurajit and presented by her students. 6 pm, Kartik Fine Arts (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's hall).

'Sivathai Manantha Tamizh'
A dance-drama themed on the greatness of the Thamizh language. It is a visualisation of Thamizh literature as an embodiment of goddess Parvathi. The concept and lyrics are by the Tamil scholar Gunasekara Sivam of Mugaiyur, music by S. Rajeswari. Choreographed and presented by Sailaja and her group. 5.15 pm, Tamil Isai Sangam.

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'Madura Thillanas in Bharatanatyam' on VCD/DVD

'Madura Thillanas in Bharatanatyam' is a new VCD / DVD from Super Audio, Chennai. The VCD / DVD feature Thillanas composed by Vidwan Madurai N. Krishnan in ten different ragas, rendered by Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghunathan and danced by the disciples of Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy. Choreographed by Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy, the thillanas are performed as solos and group presentations.

The audio cassette and CD of this album, with vocal by Sudha Raghunathan, has been selling well in the past few years. And now these thillanas take their visual form through dance.

The dancers featured in the DVD are senior sishyas of Prof. Sudharani - Nalini Prakash, Priya Murle, Padma S. Raghavan, Shylaja Ramji, Priya Dixit, Aruna Subbiah and Prabha Dixit besides dancer A. Lakshman and a host of young students of Shree Bharatalaya.

The album is available at all leading outlets.

For more info, contact Super Audio, Ph: 421 40068. www.musicandchants.com

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Film fest on performing arts

A film festival titled 'Gitam - Nrttam - Vadhyam' is to be held at Sathyam Cinemas from December 24. The fest showcases a screening of biographical films on some of the leading artistes of Indian music and dance, by eminent filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mani Kaul and others. The films feature renowned artistes like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Sideshwari Devi, Kalamandalam Gopi, Ammanur Madhava Chakyar, Amir Khan, Gangubai Hangal, Sheik Chinna Moulana, Balamuralikrishna, Yamini Krishnamurthy, Malavika Sarukkai and Lakshmi Viswanathan.

The programme is conceived, curated and organised by Prasanna Ramaswamy and presented by Sathyam Cinemas in association with Kalakshetra Foundation. Films Division of India have offered the major part of the prints while a few of the titles are sourced from independent filmmakers from different parts of the country.

The fest opens on Dec. 24, at 10 am at Six Degrees, Sathyam Cinemas. Dancer Lakshmi Viswanathan speaks on 'Value of films to Dance' and V. Sriram on 'Musicians in Film.

The screenings are scheduled between 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon daily. Entry is free of cost and by invitations picked up at Sathyam Cinemas.

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Sarees on sale, Kalakshetra design

Department of Handlooms and Textiles, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and Kalakshetra Foundation organise a Handloom exhibition and sales at the Kalakshetra campus, Thiruvanmiyur.

The exhibition on Dec 21 to Dec. 30. On sale are cotton and silk sarees with Kalakshetra traditional designs.

Price range: Rs. 150 to Rs.1000 for cotton sarees and Rs. 1000 onwards for silk sarees. For more info, contact: 2852 2453.

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Kutcheris at Raga Sudha Hall

Kutcheris are being held through the day, in a quiet corner on Luz Avenue in Mylapore. At Raga Sudha Hall.

The music fest here is being hosted by Naada Inbam and is on till Jan. 9, 2006.

Recipients of the 'Nadha Oli' title this year are vocalists N. Bhairavi, N. Malavi, Sikkil Gurucharan, veena artistes Srividya Chandramouli, Rajasree Ramakrishna and percussionists B. Sivaraman, Nellai Balaji (mridangam), Tenkasi H. Paramasivam (kanjira) and H. Sivaramakrishnan (ghatam). These young artistes receive their awards on the day when they perform at the fest here.

Delhi based flautist G.S. Rajan presents a concert here on Dec. 22, 2005 at 10 am.

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Sruti's December issue

The December edition of Sruti, the monthly magazine devoted to Indian classical music and dance is just out.

The cover story is on P.R. Thilagam, a yester-year dancer from Thiruvarur, whose 80th birthday is being celebrated with an event in Chennai on Dec. 29. The issue also carries an article, 'The Madras Music Season: its genesis' by V. Sriram besides other interesting articles on music and dance events around India.

For more info, contact Sruti at Ph: 2499 3822.

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Tamil Isai Sangam's fest

Tamil Isai Sangam opens its 63rd annual Tamil Isai festival tomorrow (Dec. 21) at 6 pm at Rajah Annamalai Hall. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjit Singh Barnala inaugurates the fest and confers the title of 'Isai Peraringnar' on Thiruvidaimaruthur P.S.V. Raja.

The website of Tamil Isai Sangam will also be launched on this occasion.

Inaugural vocal concert features G. Sivachidambaram.

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'Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru'

Chennai based Lakshman Sruthi Musicals, Nataka Academy and U.S. based Kalalaya jointly organise 'Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru', a music festival from Dec. 21 to 25, at Kamarajar Arangam, Anna Salai, Chennai. Worldspace Satellite Radio is the main sponsor of this event.

The hosts plan to re-create the Thyagaraja Aradhana mandapam of Thiruvaiyaru on the stage at Kamarajar Arangam. And the fest opens with a rendering of Thyagaraja's pancharathna kritis, led by senior Carnatic vocalist P.S. Narayanaswamy at 9 am on Dec. 21. Admission is free for the pancharathna kritis session. Print copies of the 'Pancharathna krithis' are to be distributed to rasikas, who can join in the group rendering of the kritis.

Featuring the top Carnatic musicians of Chennai, each day features concerts at 10.30 am, 3 pm, 5.15 pm and 7.30 pm. Video screens are also being put up on either side of the stage, for a close-up view of the artistes on the stage.

For more info and tickets, contact, Ph: 2471 8080, E-mail: lakshmansruthi@eth.net

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Nandi Fine Arts' music fest

Nandi Fine Arts hosts its music festival from December 22 to 27, at the Sri Venugoplal Swamy Temple , Gopalapuram, Chennai.

Music concerts will be held at 6 pm daily.

Schedule

22-12-05 - Bhushani Kalyanaraman
23-12-05 - Vijay Venkateswar
24-12-05 - Hyderabad Sisters Haripriya and Lalitha
25-12-05 - R Bhaskaran - Flute
26-12-05 - Suguna Purushottaman
27-12-05 - Students of Subbulakshmi Muthuswamy
                (5.00 pm Lakshminarayana School of Music)
                Dr. M. Lalitha and M. Nandini - Violin duo

For more info, contact, email: kaprigem@yahoo.com

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'Thinking of U' / Lalitha and Nandini / Kosmic Music

Violinists Lalitha and Nandini have released a new CD titled 'Thinking of 'U'. The CD features compositions reflecting the myriad hues of Global Music. Egyptian music is fused with South Indian and jazz styles.

The highlight of the composition is a conversation between the violins and the percussion. The album also features, a Thiruppugazh, a bhajan and folk music.

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Googly at The Music Academy

So, finally after all the hype at The Music Academy, Chief Minister Jayalalitha didn't make it to the inauguration of their music festival, on Dec. 17. Instead, her message was read out by the newly elected president of The Music Academy N. Murali. It said the Chief Minister had to personally monitor her administrative machinery, which was handling the cyclone relief and rehabilitation operations at a time when a new depression had formed in the Bay of Bengal.

Senior violinist M. Chandrasekharan was elected to preside over the music conference and to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi title. The 'M.S. Subbulakshmi Award' carrying a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, instituted by The Hindu newspaper was also presented to Chandrasekharan.

Shilpa Uthappa from Bangalore gave the inaugural dance performance.

It was also announced that a special memorial concert, conducted by maestro Zubin Mehta, in aid of the tsunami victims, would be held on Dec. 26.(Only to invitees).

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From Bangalore to Chennai

Bangalore based Tarangini Arts Foundation hosts a five-day Carnatic music festival, as part of the December Season in Chennai. Scheduled from December 21 to 25, the fest will be held at R.K.Swamy auditorium, Mylapore.

The fest features Chennai based artistes like T.N. Seshagopalan, Flute Ramani, Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan, a music group 'Laya Lahiri' headed by Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma from Bangalore, besides young artistes from Bangalore like Chandana Bala, R.Suchethan, N. Rajkamal and B. Divya amomg other artistes.

Tarangini Arts Foundation in Bangalore is headed by veena artiste Suma Sudhindra.

For more info, contact Ph: 080-23361906 (Bangalore)

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Stamp on MS

The Department of Posts has released a commemorative stamp on M.S. Subbulakshmi, for Rs. 5.

Limited copies of the first day cover with the stamp themed on MS and an information booklet (Rs. 9) are available at the KutcheriBuzz office. Contact: Ph: 2499 4599.

If you wish to buy a set of these stamps and first day covers, you can contact teh Philatelc Bureau at the Head Post office, Anna Salai (opposite Shanthi Theatre).

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'Beatles an Indian music'

Prakriti Foundation holds an illustrative talk on 'The Beatles and Indian Music' by Dr. David Reck, Chair, World Music, Amherst College, U.S.A, on Dec. 20, at 7 pm at Sundar Mahal, Padmavathiar Road, Gopalapuram.

In his talk, Dr. Reck will trace the Beatles' interest in India from the movie, 'Help', through their stay at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, the use of sitar in 'Norwegian Wood' and much more... Dr. Reck, a veena artiste has composed many compositions influenced by South Indian classical music. He has also authored a book, 'The music of the whole Earth' which is extensively used by universities teaching music all over the world.

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CD on ragas.

Violinist M. Chandrasekharan has released a CD titled, 'Panchadasa Ragas'.

The CD features 15 ragas. The melody of each raga has also been explained, besides a reference to the composer of the krithis. This has been compiled by mridangist Tiruvidamarudur S. Radhakrishnan.

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'Season' lures dance students from South Africa

A bunch of dance students from South Africa are in Chennai to experience the December Season of music and dance here. These students have been led by their gurus Verushka Pather and Savithri Naidoo.

Verushka runs the dance school Natya Ananda in Durban. Her students are currently attending classes at the dance school of the Dhananjayans in Adyar. Says Verushka, "These students have classes twice a week and are from the Reservoir Hills, Chatsworth and Phoenix areas in Durban. I wanted my students to experience dance and art as a discipline, in India, with my teachers, the Dhananjayans. Besides their classes with my guru, they attend lecture demonstrations, workshops and performances by leading exponents of dance during the December Season here."

Their stay in Chennai till January 15, covers a tour of the Chidambaram temple, classes and tour of Kalakshetra Foundation, visit to Dakshina Chitra, Mahaballipuram, temples in Chennai, visit to nearby villages, Kanchipuram handlooms, Pondicherry besides movies and shopping too.

Verushka performs with her students on Jan. 12 at the Varasidhi Vinyakar temple in Besant Nagar. Savithri Naidoo, a senior student of dance guru Indira Rajan, is the founder of Vadhini Arts Academy in Cape Town, South Africa. She has been teaching dance for the past 26 years. Her group performed at Kalakshetra and are scheduled to perform at the Mahabalipuram dance fest. Savithiri presents a lec-dem on 'Bharatanatyam in South Africa' at the Natya Kala conference at Krishna Gana Sabha tomorrow (Dec. 20) at 9.30 am.

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Saxophone Sisters / Abirami Recording Company

'Melodious Waves' is a new album featuring classical instrumental music on saxophone by Saxophone sisters Lavanya and Subbalakshmi. Violin - H.N. Baskar, Ghatam - Trichy Murali, Mridangam - Sainath, Morsing - Sourirajan.
Price: Rs. 90 /- Contact: Ph: 2436 1485, E-mail: sales@abiramiaudio.com

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Temples and Carnatic music

A slide show on some of the well known Saivite temples in South India, will be presented by Rupa Gopal, on Dec. 18, at 8.30 am at The Music Academy.

The slide show features the sculptural heritage of the temples, alongwith selected Carnatic music compositions. Also features paintings of S. Rajam themed on the Nayanmars.

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Book on Kalakshetra's 'Periya Sarada'

'Nirmalam: The Genius of S. Sarada', a book on the life of Kalakshetra's S. Sarada, known as 'Peria Sarada teacher' will be released on December 17, 2005, at 11.30 am, at the Natya Kala Conference at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai.

The book is being published by Arangham Trust on the occasion of Sarada's 90th birthday. Edited by Anita Ratnam in consultation with G. Sundari, the book features a long first person account by S. Sarada of her early years in life, theosophy and Kalakshetra.

The book contains a foreword by Anita Ratnam and tributes paid to Sarada by scholars, dance teachers, dancers, students, friends and well wishers, who have interacted with her over the years.

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Mudhra's fest and music appreciation course

Mudhra hosts its 11th Fine Arts festival from 17 to 26, December 2005 at Freedom Hall, Nungambakkam. On the inaugural day, senior musician T. K. Govinda Rao will be conferred 'The Mudhra Award of Excellence' . The inaugural concert features violin-duo M. S. Gopalakrishnan and Narmada.

Mudhra will also conduct a two-day 'Carnatic Music Appreciation Programme' for rasikas and students on 24 and 25 December, 2005 (10 am to 4 pm).

To register contact Mudhra at Ph: 98400 72821 / 28264493, E-mail: radha@mudhra.org

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Kathak fest at Kalakshetra

Kathak Kendra, a constituent body of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi hosts a four-day Kathak dance festival in collaboration with Kalakshetra Foundation from December 17 to 20, 2005 at Kalakshetra's auditorium in Chennai.

Evening concerts at 6.30 pm feature solo, duet and group choreographic works. The fest features artistes representing the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, from Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Ottawa. Chennai based senior dancers and musicians, all awardees of SNA will participate at the inaugural event tomorrow.

On Dec. 18, Sunil Kothari presents a lec-dem on Kathak in the morning session.

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Indian Fine Arts Society's fest

The Indian Fine Arts Society hosts its 73rd South Indian music conference and concerts from Dec. 17, at Balamandir German Hall, T. Nagar, Chennai.

Violin maestro T.N. Krishnan will inaugurate the fest. Carnatic vocalist T.V. Sankaranarayanan will be conferred the title of 'Sangeetha Kalashikamani'.

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Film fest at Sathyam Cinemas

'Gitam – Nrttam – Vadhyam' is a film festival, coinciding with the December Season in Chennai. The fest celebrates the performing traditions of India and the artistes from different disciplines. It showcases films by eminent filmmakers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mani Kaul and others. The films feature renowned artistes like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Sideshwari Devi, Kalamandalam Gopi, Ammanur Madhava Chakyar, Amir Khan, Gangubai Hangal, Sheik Chinna Moulana, Balamuralikrishna, YaminiKrishnamurthy and Malavika Sarukkai.

The screenings are scheduled between 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon, from December 24, 2005 at Sathyam Cinemas.

The programme is conceived, curated and organised by Prasanna Ramaswamy and presented by Sathyam Cinemas. Kalakshetra Foundation and dancer Leela Samson are the chief collaborators for the festival and Films Division of India have offered the major part of the prints while a few of the titles are sourced from independent filmmakers from different parts of the country.
Entry is free of cost and by invitations picked up at Sathyam Cinemas.

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Anita Guha's new dance-drama

Dance guru Anita Guha presents a new dance-drama for this December Season. It will be staged on Dec. 18 at Indian Fine Arts Society.

The dance drama titled 'Natrunaiyavadhu Namachivayave' is themed on lord Siva and features the episodes of 'Tripura Samharam', Sundarar, Shiva and Arjuna, Karaikal Ammaiyar and the cosmic dance of the Panchaksharan. The show premiered on 5 December.

This has been specially choreographed for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Chidambaram Natyanjali festival 2006.

Featuring 50 students of Bharathanjali, the dance-drama has lyrics and music composed by P. R. Venkatasubramaniam, besides verses from Thevara Thirupathigangal and from the original works of the Nayanmargal.

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Chief Minister to open Music Academy's fest

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalitha inaugurates The Music Academy's 79th annual music conference and concerts on Dec. 17, at 5 pm.

Bangalore based young Bharatanatyam dancer Shilpa Utthappa, presents the inaugural dance recital. Security is very tight for the inaugural function, which is open only to members of The Music Academy and invitees.

Senior violinist M. Chandrasekharan, recipient of the 'Sangita Kalanidhi' title will preside over the music conference. The conference sessions will be held from Dec. 18 to 25 and from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, from 8 am to 10.30 am daily.

On Dec. 26, The Music Academy has rented out its auditorium for Zubin Mehta's concert organised by Max Mueller Bhavan. This event on Dec.26 is not open to the public and season ticket holders.

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'Sangeetha Sangamam' on Vijay T.V

Vijay T.V hosted a music festival, 'Sangeetha Sangamam', from November 21 to 24, 2005 at Sivagami Pethachi auditorium, Luz Curch Road, Mylapore, Chennai.

The fest will be telecast on Vijay T.V from December 12, 2005 to January 1, 2006, to coincide with the December Season of music and dance in Chennai.

Concerts feature M. Balamuralikrishna, T.N. Seshagopalan, Kadri Gopalnath, Vani Jayaram, Seergazhi Siva Chidambaram, Sowmya, Sashank, Anuradha Sriram and Sriram Parasuram, Mahanadi Shobana and Saindavi.

For more info, contact Churchill Pandian: 92821-22550.

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Honours for Ranjani-Gayathri

Kartik Fine Arts inaugurated its 31st year art festival on December 1, 2005 at Narada Gana Sabha's main hall, Chennai.

The title of 'Isai Peroli' was conferred on Carnatic vocalists Ranjani and Gayathri and the title of 'Nadanamamani' on US based Bharatanatyam dancer Ramya Ramnarayan.

The 'D.K. Pattammal award of Excellence for a young talented vocalist' was presented to Sankari Krishnan and the 'Kartik Rajagopal Golden Jubilee committee award for best organiser' was presented to K. Hariharan, Secretary, Parthasarathy Swami Sabha.

Musicologist V.V. Srivatsa and Bharatanatyam dancer Priyadarshini Govind felicitated the awardees. The sabha hosts its Tamil Isai festival from December 26 at Valliammal College for Women, Anna Nagar, Chennai.


The 'Tamil Isai Vendar' title will be conferred on senior musician M. Balamuralikrishna and the 'Sirkazhi Sri Govindarajan Memorial Award' will be presented to mridangist Madras A. Kannan. 

Contact: Kartik Fine Arts, Ph: 24997788. 

Click here for concert schedule

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Dance and music at Kapali Temple

Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai will hold a 'Music and Dance Festival' from December 9 to 15. The programmes will be held at the 'Navarathri Mandapam at 6.30 pm.

The schedule is: December 9, Priya Murle (Bharatanatyam); December 10, Meenakshi Srinivasan, who now lives in Singapore, (Bharatanatyam); December 11- A. Lakshman (Bharatanatyam); Dec 12 - Priyadarsini Govind, (Bharatanatyam); December 13 - Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan, (vocal concert) December 14 - Urmila Sathyanarayanan (Bharatanatyam); December 15 - Gayathri Venkataraghavan (vocal concert).

The programme has been organised and sponsored by P. Vijayakumar Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Kapaleeswarar Temple.

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Honours for Kalanidhi Narayanan, Balamuralikrishna

Brahma Gana Sabha will hold its annual December Art Festival from December 3 to 31, 2005, at Sivagami Pethachi auditorium, in Mylapore Chennai.

Senior Carnatic musician Balamuralikrishna will be awarded the title 'Gaana Padhmam' and dance guru Kalanidhi Narayanan will receive the 'Natya Padhmam' title.

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The Other Festival at Museum Theatre

The Park's 'The Other Festival 2005' will be held from December 1 to 7, 2005 at Museum Theatre, Egmore, Chennai.

The fest featuring experimental works in arts, is jointly hosted by Arangham Trust and Prakriti Foundation. It opens with a curtain raiser on November 27, at Sundar Mahal (Amethyst) with a music recital by two Dutch musicians in which classical, European works will be combined with contemporary music from different continents. Marcel Worms plays on the piano with Eleonore Pameijer on the flute. Ganesh Kumar from Chennai joins them with 'Alaap'.

For more info, call: Prakriti Foundation: 24465415, Arangham Trust: 28524917
Email: aratnam@vsnl.com, prakritifoundation@gmail.com, otherfestival2005@gmail.com

For concert schedule,visit www.theotherfestival.com

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Nungambakkam Cultural Academy Trust's fest

Nungambakkam Cultural Academy Trust hosts its 36th fine arts festival from December 9, 2005 to January 11, 2006 at Rama Rao Kala Mantap, T. Nagar, Chennai. Ph: 2483 4823.

E-mail: Radhika Natarajan, radhikanatarajan@hotmail.com

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Lec-dems on mridangam playing / Chennai

Chennai based Sampradaya, an archiving, documentation and research organization involved in the preservation of South Indian music traditions, is organising a series of lecture-demonstrations on the art of mridangam playing from December 1, 2005 in Chennai. Titled 'Sogasuga Mridanga Talamu', the lec-dem series also marks the silver jubilee of Sampradaya.

Lec-dems are scheduled on 1 and 2 December at the Music Academy's mini hall and on 3, 12 and 13 December at Asthika Samajam, Venus Colony.

The lec-dems will be presented by mridangists T.K. Murthy, Palghat Ragu, Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, T.V.Gopalakrishnan, Trichy Sankaran, Karaikudi Mani and T.R. Rajamani. Topics are 'Moras in 108 talas', 'The importance of Thani Aavarthanam-An overview of Recent Developments', 'Arithmetic in Laya', 'Yathis in Moras & Korvais' and 'Mridangam Accompaniment - the vocalist's perspective'.

Organisers say that the lec-dems are being presented owing to a widespread paucity of understanding and inadequate appreciation of the role of the mridangam, not only among rasikas but also among musicians.

For more info, contact Sampradaya, 1, Musiri Subramaniyam Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004. Ph: 2499 3359. E-mail: samprada@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in

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Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's fest

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan hosts its annual music and dance festival from November 25 to December 16, 2005 at its auditorium in Mylapore, Chennai.

The fest is being held in association with Kalapradarshini and is being inaugurated by N. Murali, President, The Music Academy. Justice K.S. Bakthavatsalam, Chairman Bhavan's Kendra, Chennai presides.

The fest features music concerts from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 and dance recitals from Dec. 10 to 16.

Contact: Ph: 2494 0811, E-mail: bvb@vsnl.com Website: www.bhavans.info

Click here for concert schedule.

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Honours for P.S. Narayanaswamy

Sri Kapali Fine Arts hosts its 36th music and dance festival from December 14, 2005 to January 4, 2006.

Inauguration will be held at R.K. Swamy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai. The title of 'Sangeetha Kala Jyothi' will be conferred on senior Carnatic vocalist P.S. Narayanaswamy and 'Natya Kala Jyothi' on dance guru Saroja Vaidhyanthan of Delhi.

Concerts will be held at R.K. Swami hall, Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Dakshinamoorthy auditorium and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's hall in Mylapore.

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Honours for T .K . Govinda Rao

Mudhra hosts its 11th Fine Arts Festival from 17 to 26, December 2005 at Freedom Hall, Nungambakkam. On the inaugural day, senior musician T.K.Govinda Rao will be conferred 'The Mudhra Award of Excellence' for his contribution to music. The inaugural concert features violin-duo M.S.Gopalakrishnan and Narmada.

Mudhra will also conduct a two-day 'Carnatic Music Appreciation Programme' on 24 and 25 December, 2005 (10 am to 4 pm), specially for rasikas outside Chennai and abroad.

For more details, contact Mudhra at Ph: 98400 72821 / 28264493
E-mail: radha@mudhra.org

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Indian Fine Arts Society's fest

The Indian Fine Arts Society hosts its 73rd South Indian music conference and concerts from December 17, 2005 at Balamandir German Hall, T. Nagar, Chennai.

Carnatic vocalist T.V. Sankaranarayanan will be conferred the title of 'Sangeetha Kalashikamani' on the inaugural day. Violin maestro T.N. Krishnan will inaugurate the fest.

At the valedictory function on January 4, 2006, the title of 'Natya Kala Shikamani' will be conferred on senior Bharatanatyam artiste Chitra Visweswaran.

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New dance-drama from Narasimhacharis

Dance gurus M.V. Narasimhachari and M. Vasanthalakshmi present a new dance-drama, 'Subhashitham' (Eternal Words of Wisdom) this December Season.

The thematic Bharatanatyam presentation is based on the Panchatantra, Jataka stories, Thirukkural and Indian folklore and features stories with spiritual values and principles.

Composed and choreographed by the dancing couple, M.V.Narasimhachari and M.Vasanthalakshmi, this dance-drama has been put together by team of 55 musicians, dancers and technicians.

It will be premiered on 4 December 2005, at 6 pm at The Music Academy's auditorium, Chennai and will be presented again on December 31, 2005 at Krishna Gana Sabha.

For more info, contact the Kalasamarpana Foundation by E-mail: chari@md2.vsnl.net.in or log on to www.webindia.com/Kalasamarpana.

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Anita Guha's new dance-drama

Dance guru Anita Guha presents a new dance-drama for this December Season.

The dance drama titled 'Natrunaiyavadhu Namachivayave' is themed on lord Siva and features the episodes of 'Tripura Samharam', Sundarar, Shiva and Arjuna, Karaikal Ammaiyar and the cosmic dance of the Panchaksharan.

This has been specially choreographed for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Chidambaram Natyanjali festival 2006.

Featuring 50 students of Bharathanjali, the dance-drama has lyrics and music composed by P. R. Venkatasubramaniam, besides verses from Thevara Thirupathigangal and from the original works of the Nayanmargal. It has been choreographed by Anita Guha.

It will be premiered on 5 December, 2005 at Narada Gana Sabha's auditorium, under the auspices of Karthik Fine Arts, on Dec. 11 at Krishna Gana Sabha and Dec.18 at Indian Fine Arts Society.

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Honours for T. N. Krishnan

Narada Gana Sabha hosts its annual music and dance festival from December 16, 2005. On the inaugural day, the 'Nadhabrahmam' title will be conferred on senior violinist T.N. Krishnan. Inaugural concert features saxophone by Kadri Gopalnath.

Lecture-demonstrations will be held from Dec. 22 to 31, at the mini hall. From January 6 to 8, 2006, the 'Ramayana Bharatham' dance presentations (which showcases the episodes in Ramayana in different languages) will be held at the main hall. Ph: 2499 3201.

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Rama Bhaktha Jana Samaj's fest

Sri Rama Bhaktha Jana Samaj, K.K.Nagar, hosts its first mini music festival from 26 to 30 November, 2005 and its 9th annual music festival from 18 December 2005 to 5 January, 06 at Padma Seshadri School auditorium, Alagirisamy Salai, K.K.Nagar, Chennai-78.

At the inauguration of the fest on 18 December, the 'Sangeetha Maamani' title will be conferred on Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghunathan and the 'Sangeetha Kala Seva Rathna' on arts promoter Nalli Kuppusami Chetti. Inaugural concert features vocal by Sudha Raghunathan. For more info, contact: aashna_483@yahoo.com.

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Honours for Kalanidhi Narayanan, Balamuralikrishna

Brahma Gana Sabha will hold its annual December Art Festival from December 3 to 31, 2005, at Sivagami Pethachi auditorium, in Mylapore Chennai.

Senior Carnatic musician Balamuralikrishna will be awarded the title 'Gaana Padhmam' and dance guru Kalanidhi Narayanan will receive the 'Natya Padhmam' title.

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Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha's fest

Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha hosts its 26th festival of muysic, dance and drama from Dec. 9 to 31, 2005 at Vanimahal, T. Nagar, Chennai.

The 'Vani Kala Sudhakara' title will be conferred on Carnatic musicians Sudha Raghunathan, A. Kanyakumari, Vellore Ramabhadran, Bharatanatyam dancer Revathi Ramachandran and dramatist Kathadi Ramamurthy.
Contact: Ph: 285 2166.

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MFAC title for thavil maestro

Eminent Thavil maestro Haridvaramangalam A. K. Palanivel will be conferred with the title 'Sangeetha Kala Nipuna' by The Mylapore Fine Arts Club at the inauguration of its 54th year Art Festival on December 12.

The fest forms part of the December season of classical music and dance Chennai is famous for. Music competitions in vocal and instrumental will be held from October 9 onwards, every Sunday. Application forms and other details can be had from the Sabha office at 45, Musiri Subramaniam Salai, October 1 onwards. Ph: 24997755.

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'Sangitha Kalanidhi' for violinist M. Chandrasekaran

The Music Academy will host its 79th annual music conference and concerts from December 17, 2005.
The 'Sangitha Kalandhi' title will be awarded to senior violinist M. Chandrasekharan.

The 'Sangitha Kalacharya' will be awarded to musicians B.V. Raman and Seethalakshmi Venkatesan. The TTK award will be presented to Pandanallur Gopalakrishnan (Bharatanatyam) and
Chitravina N. Ravikiran.
The 'Vaggeyakara Award' will be presented to Vijayawada based
musician N.C.H. Krishnamacharyulu.

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Bharat Kalachar's awardees for the December Season

Bharat Kalachar will host its 19th Margazhi Mahotsav - music and dance festival from December 9, 2005 at at Sri YGP Auditorium, T. Nagar, Chennai.

At the inaugural function, the following awards will be given:
'Gnana Kala Bharathi' to senior Kathak artiste Birju Maharaj, 'Viswa Kala Bharathi to ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayakaram and senior dancer Padma Subrahmanyam (for service in the field of fine arts abroad), 'Natya Kaladhar' to Dr. R. Ganesh, 'Kala Seva Bharathi' to N. Krishnamoorthy, organiser of Soorya Festival, Kerala and 'Nataka Kala Bharathi' to S. Radhakrishnan (Raadhu).

'Yuva Kala Bharathi' in recognition of talent in the field of Classical music and dance will be awarded to Mohan Santhanam, Sikkil Gurucharan and Delhi C. Mahalakshmi (vocal), Vishakha Hari (Kathakalakshebam), R. Sathishkumar (violin), B. Sivaraman (mridangam), N. Guruprasad (ghatam), Divya Kasturi, Prabha S Dixit and Shanmughasundaram (Bharatanatyam), and Uma Nambudripad (all rounder in Bharatanatyam, nattuvangam and vocal).

Eunice Crook, Director, South India, British Council, Chennai, will inaugurate the festival. Actress-dancer Vyjayanthimala Bali and KAthak artiste Birju Maharaj will be the guests of honour. Inaugural concert features a Kathak recital by Saswathi (disciple of Birju Maharaj).

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Hamsadhwani's fest for NRI artistes

Hamsadhwani will hold its 11th NRI annual festival of music and dance concerts from December 15 to 31, 2005 in Chennai.

NRI musicians or dancers who wish to take part in the festival need to become a patron member (a one-time payment) of Hamsadhwani.
Those who plan to visit Chennai during this December can send your bio-data and communicate the duration of your stay in Chennai and the days you are available, if you wish to participate in the fest.

Plans are on to feature drama, harikatha and discourses too.

Music institutions outside India can aslo enroll themselves as institutional members and their students will be entitled to perform for Hamsadhwani.

For more info, contact: Hamsadhwani, No: 2, Eighth Lane, Indira Nagar, Adyar, Chennai – 600 020. E-mail: hamsadhwani@vsnl.net or vatsapad@vsnl.com Ph: 91-44-24915555 (R. Ramachandran), 91-44-2491 8225 (Aparna Gopalakrishnan).

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'Nritya Choodamani' for Rajeswari Sainath

Hyderabad based Bharatanatyam dancer Rajeswari Sainath will receive the 'Nrithya Choodamani' award from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha this year.
The title will be conferred on 9 December 2005, at the inauguration of the annual music and dance festival of the sabha.

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