Tribute to Vai. Mu. Kothainayaki

Reported by KutcheriBuzz Staff

Srinivasa Sastri Hall in Luz, Chennai was 75% full at 4.30 pm when the mikes were switched on for a unique inauguration.

This was the 13th edition of the music fest hosted by Shanthi Arts Foundation and Endowments, called SAFE. A project of former scientist and passionate rasika, Ramabhadran in memory of his late daughter.

This year, Ramabhadran did some thing special. He published the compositions of the well known writer, activist, thinker and musician, Vai. Mu. Kothainayaki who is little remembered today.

T. N. Seshagopalan dedicated his entire speech to this 'extraordinary woman' and her musical talent as did chief guest Seshasayee, MD of Ashok Leyland whose mother was Vai. Mu. Ko's close associate and friend.

"I really feel that here was a woman who did not get her due then and even now," said Seshasayee.

Seshasayee had a request for senior performers - that they make it a point to sing the compositions of less known and up and coming composers if their work was of great merit so that rasikas got to know them better.

Writer-journalist Tiruppur Krishnan who now edits 'Amudasurabhi' magazine and has written a book on Kothainayaki had many stories to share on this personality.

He said that the community should ask the state to name the road on which her house is located in Triplicane, Chennai after her and that it would be right to have a statue of hers installed in the city.

The book is on sale at the venue for Rs.50.

SAFE's music fest features two concerts every evening - it is ticketed.

The air-conditioned and well-sealed Sastri Hall makes it a warm venue for concerts. But the patches left on the false ceiling by leaks in the roof are ugly to the eye - thats if you do look up in contemplation!

Click here to see all the photos taken at this event by R. Saravanan .

Season's special - bargain on albums

This is for the collectors of audio and video recordings of music and dance ablums. The December Season special exhibition of albums is open from from today at Sri Sankara Hall, Alwarpet.

Arts patron and businessman 'Nalli' Kuppuswamy Chetti inaugurated the exhibition.

This special sale during the music 'season' is on for the 25th year. More than 100 audio / video recording companies have put up their albums at this exhibition organised by AVM Sound Zone, Chennai.

There is a minimum discount of 10 % on all the albums during the sale period.

The exhibition will be on till Jan. 4, 2009. From 10 am to 8.30 pm.