I believe we are fortunate enough to be living in a city like Delhi which has the audience for all styles of music—be it independent music, collaboration, international, fusion or classical music. Though there has been an increase in the number of venues for live music in the past decade or so, I feel there is a need for more performing spaces where young budding classical musicians can showcase their talent.
The concept of ‘Baithaks’ interests me a lot, as it creates a personalised and informal listening space for an audience. And even an artiste gets a freedom to perform.
VSK Baithaks organised by Vinod S Kapur here in Delhi, and their growing number of audience is a fine example signifying the continuing relevance and appeal of ‘Baithaks’ in current times. Such intimate settings for classical performances can be seen quite frequently in Pune and Kolkata.
For creating such environment, Indian classical music fraternity also needs to come together to build a community of musicians for admiring the talent. Such mutual exchange will encourage youths to choose their path.
Institutions like ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata and Kalakshetra in Chennai, which are not only the true representation of 'Guru-Shishya' tradition in modern times, but also work as important platforms for bringing the whole classical fraternity of the city together, are much needed in Delhi. SRA holds recitals by young classical scholars every week, apart from regular discussions and seminars.
Besides, infrastructure and learning atmosphere for music students in Delhi is also the need of the hour. Although there are many institutes of Indian classical music in the city, a positive approach seems to be missing.
Partnership of government and public sectors can immensely contribute in promotion and preservation of Indian classical music. And all this is needed to create the right ‘Mahaul’ for music as well as musicians, who could be the future legends and maestros of our country, to thrive.
The writer is Lead Vocalist, Music Band Advaita