The 7th edition of NCPA 's Aadi Anant music festival is here. This festival which celebrates the concept of eternity through artistic traditions perpetuated from one generation to the next uninterrupted through the age-old guru–shishya tradition has always been a special treat for classical music lovers, and is hence a major milestone on the country's cultural calendar.
This year the ‘travelling music festival’ which spans across Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad will feature tabla maestro-composer Ustad Zakir Hussain with Rakesh Chaurasia and violin maestro L Subramaniam with son Ambi who will be accompanied by the great blues harmonica maestro Corky Siegel on the harmonica and vocals. While the tabla maestro and legendary flautist will jam on 4th December 2017, the father son violin wizards and the American musical sensation will take the stage on December 9.
Zakirbhai (as he is fondly called)’s contribution to world music and percussion has been par excellence and has not only established him as a national treasure in India, but gained him global fame.
Rakesh Chaurasia who has trained under the flute legend Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia has carved a niche for himself, as an accomplished flautist. Incorporating the tradition of his trainer and infusing his personal style, he has evolved a style which while maintaining the purity of the flute manages to capture the attention of younger generation of listeners. “The living legend, Ustad Zakir Hussain is the epitome of inspiration. For me, to be performing along with him is a huge honour. An institution by himself, being with him on stage or while traveling, there is a continuous stream of learning. I am grateful to Zakir ji, for the love and blessings he bestows upon me.”
Dr. L. Subramaniam is an internationally renowned violinist and composer, who has collaborated with legendary musicians across the world. While remaining within the roots of Carnatic music, he has made pioneering efforts in the field of Indo-Jazz fusion. With over 200 recordings to his credit, some of his fusion works are considered as milestones. Joining him is his son and disciple, Ambi Subramaniam who will first take to the stage presenting traditional Carnatic music. He called the chance at the Adi Anant festival at NCPA a great honour. “I'm really looking forward to this concert structure where the concert will start with a solo, followed by a segment by my father and guru, followed by the finale with the both of us and Corky Siegel - an amazing blues Harmonica player from the US with who will engage in a crossover musical dialogue.”
The festival line-up includes stalwarts who are known for their musical prowess like Ulhas Kashalkar (vocal), Kaushiki Chakraborty (vocal) and Mame Khan (vocal) among others.
NCPA Chairman Khushroo N Suntook said, “Today, more than ever before, there is a pressing need to preserve our artistic legacy that dates back to at least 3,000 years. As a national centre dedicated to performing arts, we are aware of our responsibility towards propagating the best in the arts. We feel privileged to be able to contribute towards nurturing the great Indian heritage.”
The three-month long festival spanning five cities - Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad will feature much acclaimed and respected maestros of classical music this year; including Zakir Hussain (tabla), , L. Subramaniam (violin), Corky Siegel (vocal and harmonica), amongst others.
In addition to the festival, the initiative covers the following interrelated programmes which have a direct bearing on the preservation and propagation of Indian music. Each project works closely at the grassroots level to provide an impetus to the growth, preservation and propagation of Indian classical music.
Programme 1: Support to gurus: Under this scheme gurus receive financial support to train three promising disciples each, in the traditional format of one-on-one teaching. The program is free of cost for disciples.
Programme 2: Scholarships to young musicians: This scheme is meant for talented amateurs (18-30) in the field of Hindustani music (vocal –dhrupad and khayal, instrumental music – melody and percussion). A total of nine scholarships are given annually based on the quality of performance in a live audition.
Programme 3: Introducing music training to school children: This programme aspires to provide engagement with music to school children from any background.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Ustad Zakir Hussain and Dr L Subramaniam will be part of the music troupe")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}