CHENNAI: As an appetizer for the soulful ‘marghazhi maadham’ music season, the 13th edition of the Bharat Sangeet Utsav is set to bring the music community of the city together, beginning on November 1. Organised by Carnatica and Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, the week-long music festival is curated by KN Shashikiran, Carnatica’s founder and managing trustee. Known for its innovative schedules, this year, the pan-Indian musical extravaganza has a star-studded line-up and a diverse schedule in addition to the musical performances. “This year’s BSU has interesting combo concerts with many artistes coming together for the first time,” says Shashikiran, addressing the press meet.
The event will be inaugurated by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwirlal Purohit, a fan of Carnatic music, and Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty as the guest of honour. The inaugural concert will feature Aruna Sairam performing ‘Vande Mataram — a musical salutation to Mother India’ with over 300 children from Rhapsody. The first day will also feature an interesting Carnatic Pattimandram curated by Perasiriyar Solomon Pappaiyah on the topic of ‘The success of music, who is responsible? The artists, or the music lovers?’
Speaking at the press meet, Director Vasanth voiced his excitement for the Utsav. “What I like about the Bharat Sangeet Utsav is how Shashikiran always brings something new to the table. The programmes are so unique,” he said. Popular artistes featured are Sudha Raghunathan, TM Krishna, Ranjani and Gayahtri, Abhishek Raghuram with Vyasarpadi Kothandaraman, and many more. There will also be bands such as Agam led by Harish Shivaramakrishnan, and Groovida led by Haricharan Seshadri.
This year’s BSU is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by intellectually challenged individuals. The proceeds from the event will be donated to Vidya Sagar, a non-profit organisation that runs several programmes for almost 4,000 individuals with disabilities. Siddharth, a student of Vidya Sagar in 1987, who is the associate vice president of a bank, said that this donation will benefit many like him in the school.
“It is heartening to know that students of Vidya Sagar will benefit a lot from this music festival,” he said.
Bharat Sangeet Utsav 2017 runs from November 1-8, at Narada Gana Sabha Hall, Alwarpet. For full schedule, donor passes and other details, call 9444018269. Free seating is also available at the venue.