How do you draw young people, who are interested in other genres of music, towards Carnatic music? That is the platform on which Pianist Anil Srinivasan is conducting in ‘Festival of Parallels’, a three-part collaboration with other musicians, here in the city. “For people who have grown up listening to wWestern classical music or even other genres, what would be their entry point into Carnatic music? Carnatic music, as it is, would give them a very intimidating feel. It would turn too serious and become a lecture-demonstration sort of a thing. I want to use the instrument that I know best to help people understand the world of Carnatic music, bring a parallel approach, or sorts, to it. Hence, the ‘Festivals of Parallels,” says Srinivasan.
The first of the three part collaboration saw Srinivasan with three other musicians telling the story of a composition – where it comes from, what is its relevance and context and what has gone into composing a piece. The second part will see Srinivasan, in tandem with Lalgudi GJR Krishnan drawing a parallel with American contemporary music and Lalgudi Jayaraman’s music, while the third part will have Jayanthi Kumaresan working with Srinivasan to bring out the parallels in the works of Bach and Dhikshithar.
“I want to compare the different styles of music and tell the audience that Carnatic music can be interesting too,” says Srinivasan and goes on to add that while the content of the Carnatic music has always been good, a little bit of imaginative packaging would go a long way in attracting a different sort of demographics to kutcheris.
The second part of the Festival is on December 24 at Krishna Gana Sabha, while the third is at Brahma Gana Sabha on December 30, at 10 am