Mumbai's best-known classical music fest, Mumbai Sanskriti is back. An initiative of the Indian Heritage Society (IHS), the fest this year would have dance and classical music performances, and will be held on the steps of the historic Town Hall (popularly known as Asiatic Library and the first public building in the island city) on January 10 and 11.
There is no entry fee. Connoisseurs of music and dance can watch the performances standing between the Town Hall and Horniman Circle under the open sky.
The first day of the fest will see sitar maestro Niladri Kumar, accompanied on tabla by Ojas Adhiya, and Sridhar Parthasarathy on mridangam, performing. Day two will see a dance duet by Vaibhav Arekar (Bharatanatyam) and Sujata Mohapatra.
The idea is to bring the crowd closer to heritage structures and spaces in the city and make them aware on the need to conserve these places.
"IHS is promoting the concept, 'Live Music to Save Heritage', through this concert. It aims to encourage conservation amongst citizens," said Anita Garware, chairperson, IHS.
IHS has been instrumental in organising some of Mumbai's best-known festivals like Banganga, the son-en-lumerie show in 1995 outside the University of Mumbai, and 'Art in the Park' at Priyadarshani Park.
Niladri Kumar, who seemed excited about performing in the front of the Asiatic Library, said: "It's always a pleasure to perform in Mumbai, and Mumbai Sanskriti is held at such a beautiful heritage precinct. An open air venue is always a challenge and I'll be happy to play here."
Bharatanatyam dancer Vaibhav Arekar feels performing in a heritage precinct is what makes Mumbai Sanskriti tick. "All such monuments have a story to tell. Dance is poetry in motion that's deeply affected by space. This is one perspective that excites me as a dancer," he added, expressing confidence that the young would enjoy his performance.
Odissi dancer Sujata Mohapatra, who will be performing a classical dance duet based on 'love' along with Arekar, said: "It's beautiful to share my art. We have created a unique blend of two art forms – Bharatanatyam and Odissi – for the Mumbai audience. The concept here is 'madana strotram', the various forms of love – between man and woman, nature and every form of life," she explained.
Passes available at...
Free passes for Mumbai Sanskriti 2015 are available at Rhythm House (Kala Ghoda), Maharashtra Watch Co (Dadar) and MTDC counter at Nariman Point.
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