BENGALURU:An instrument that is often sidelined owing to it’s nature of being an ‘accompaniment instrument’ has found centre stage at the Harmonium Habba to be held this weekend. The programme, presented by the Bijapure Harmonium Foundation, was first started in 2007 when Ravindra Gururaj Katoti found that the instrument rarely got its due. Celebrating their 12th year, the musicians will be showcasing a Hindustani harmonium solo, Indian theatre music, and a harmonium jugalbandi (duet) among others.
Some of the performers and performances are: harmonium duet by Vinayak Hegde and Tejas Katoti; classical harmonium solo by Milind Vasudev Kulkarni, Pune;classical vocal by Dattareya Velankar, harmonium duet by Ravindra R Mane and Ravindra G Katoti; classical and theatre music
on harmonium/ leg harmonium by Niranjan Lele, Mumbai.
The half-day event, Ravindra says, has meant that many of the musicians themselves have had to put together their savings to make the habba a reality. They’ve totally pooled in `50,000. “Had we received corporate sponsorship, we could have made it a week-long event. Although we have approached a couple of corporates for funding, we have not got any positive response. Resources are our biggest challenge. But it’s sad that they are not encouraging towards our cause,” he says, adding, “But that doesn’t mean that we want people to lose out on an enriching experiencing the harmonica can offer. The idea is to explore the different dimensions of the harmonica.”
This year, like other years, over 10 artistes will be travelling from across the country for the performance. “Over the years, there has been a drastic shift in listeners. It’s encouraging to see people appreciating our kind of music. When they ask about when the next festival is coming up, we feel gratified. The affection and appreciation is what keeps us going,” says Ravindra, who recently organised the World Harmonium Summit, where 100 harmoniums were played simultaneously.
In the future, hopefully the near future, Ravindra says that they are planning to expand the scope of the harmonium.
The 12th Harmonium Habba by the Bijapure Harmonium Foundation will be held on June 24, 3pm onwards at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram.
Entry is free.