BANGALORE: For all those interested in classical music, head to Kamat Bugle Rock, Basavangudi. This place has become a seat for classical music concerts for over six years. Brainchild of Yamuna A Kamat, organiser of Mata Saraswathi Sheshagiri Kamat Nitya Sangeet Utsav, she wanted a place to recognise young talent and also to encourage the Indian classical music art form. She wanted to develop interest among children about the Indian traditions and cultures.
Kamat Bugle Rock, in its inception, conducted concerts three days a week and continued the programme for three months. They received a good response and tremendous encouragement from the audience, that they started to conduct concerts everyday. The concerts are held between 8 to 10 pm.
Another organiser of the concerts, D Shashikala, said, “On working days, we conduct vocal concerts and on the weekends we conduct instrumental music. People, in general, like instrumental music, as they are very soothing and is successful in having impact on the minds of the audience.”
The schedule for the month is planned well in advance. Musicians like R K Shankar, Madhavgudi and Venugopal, Anantharam among others have performed here.
The Hotel organises only Indian classical music concerts and strictly stays away from semi-classical or other genres of music. “Indian classical music is considered to be a dying art form. These concerts are conducted in its pure form to introduce audience to the true nature of classical music and also to create an interest among them. This is an initiative to revive the old art form, which is constantly influenced by the western music and other genres,” added Yamuna.
On the special occasions like national festivals and holidays, two special programmes are conducted — vocal and
instrumental concerts.
When asked about the selection of artistes for performance, Shashikala said, “The hotel provides forum for all budding musicians along with established artistes. The artiste must submit the bio-data to one of the organisers. The selection is based on their proficiency and performing standards in classical music.”