Tyagaraja Utsavam in Chicago
By M. K. Sadagopan / Chicago

During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 28 - 30, 2005) Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam (CTU), a not-for-profit organization, will be celebrating its 29th annual music festival at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Road, Lemont, IL 60439. The festival is in honor of Carnatic (South Indian) music composer Saint Tyagaraja (1767-1847).

The flagship events of the Utsavam are on Saturday, May 28, when over 150 amateurs are expected to take the stage to perform a Kriti (song) of Tyagaraja, making this one of the biggest Carnatic music festivals in the USA. There are exciting events - especially for children’s groups - including the Pancharatna Kritis, Utsava Sampradaya Kritis, Tala Vadya Kutcheri and not the least, the invocation with Vishnu Sahasranama chant.

The Utsavam offers six major professional concerts during the three days. On Saturday May 28, the featured program is a dance ballet Tyagarajam Bhajeham choreographed by Vanitha Veeravalli of Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts, Naperville, IL. On Sunday, May 29, the first concert is by Udaiyalur K. Kalyanarama Bhagavatar and party (Sampradaya Carnatic Bhajans), followed by T. M. Krishna (vocal). The day ends with a Bharatanatyam dance-drama 'Krishnaya Tubhyam Namah' by Chennai based dance guru Padma Subrahmanyam and troupe, with a live orchestra. On May 30, the concerts are by Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi (violin duet), followed by Mysore Nagamani Srinath (vocal).

All the children who perform will be given a gift and a certificate. They are photographed, video and audio taped to make this day memorable for them, and to encourage them in their study of this art. A brochure is published, containing articles, photos, cartoons, the program schedule, the names of participants and volunteers.

On May 28, the other main attraction is the home cooked authentic South Indian feast, which has become, over the years, an immense crowd pleaser! For the Utsavam, the attendees dress up in their best traditional attire and it is a great time to socialize and catch up with old friends. An altar with portraits of Lord Sri Rama and Saint Tyagaraja adorns the stage, with copious garlanded decorations, oil lamps and fruit offerings. With the music of Tyagaraja wafting in the background, the boisterous, aromatic ambience is close to that of a South Indian wedding...

For timing, ticketing and other details visit www.tyagaraja-chicago.org or call 630 833 2756.

M. K. Sadagopan (CTU Volunteer Director) can be contacted at 2220 Appleby Drive, Wheaton, Illinois, 60182 USA, Ph: 630 682 4298 email: sadagopa74@comcast.net