Citygritty 8212; Pune

Striking a high noteSince its inception in 1985, the Ludwig Quartet from France has earned the reputation of being one of the leading str...

Striking a high note
Since its inception in 1985, the Ludwig Quartet from France has earned the reputation of being one of the leading string quartets of its generation. According Puneites the opportunity to experience their talent, the quartet performs in the city on May 14 at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Presented in the city by the Alliance Francaise and the Poona Music Society, the concert has been proposed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of France, Delhi.

The recipient of a number of international awards such as Yehudi Menuhin Foundation in Paris, Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition and the Cannes Classical Awards, the four musicians met as students in Paris. For years now, they have been coaching students in chamber music, along with their regular tours and performances. Coming to India for the second time, the quarter will perform in Pune after a tour of New Delhi, Calcutta, Pondicherry, Bangalore and will move on to Mumbai from here.

Her perspective
When women have donned the director8217;s cap in Indian films they have handled the media in their own distinctive manner. The Aashay film club will showcase the work of women directors beginning this Friday which will go on till Wednesday. The films to be shown are Vijaya Mehta8217;s Raosaheb, Sai Paranjape8217;s Chashme Badoor, Smita Talwalkar8217;s Savat Majhi Ladki, Sumitra Bhave8217;s Doghi, Saudamini8217;s Pitruchhaya and Aparna Sen8217;s Paroma. All the films are to be screened at the National Film Archive of India. The films mainly deal with themes that are women-specific in a bold manner. Those interested in viewing the films could get in touch with the Aashay club at Narayan Peth.

Sporting encounters
Tired of playing pool at one end of town, and then having to go across elsewhere to check your mail and to a third place to grab a bite? Abhijit Taware, a management professional and a state-level tennis player, seems to have thought of a way out, and the Pegasus sports bar opens doors on May 18 at the San Mahu Complex. Snooker champion Yasin Merchant has been invited to inaugurated the bar. In its sound-proof environs are housed four pool tables, a netcafe, a snack and salad bar, along with a DJ manned music system.

8220;The idea is to have all such facilities under one roof,8221; says manager Amaresh Singh. Looks like the city8217;s Generation X has another new hangout. Sales pitch For businessmen, not cashing in on the cricket fever these days would be nothing short of harakiri. So, almost daily one hears of the various sops being handed out 8211; all in the name of the all-pervasive World Cup fever. The latest to hop onto the bandwagon is Portico restaurant. They have announced a roti and beer on the house scheme. So now when you order your dal sabzi rotis, parathas and so on will come absolutely free. What8217;s more so will the bottle of beer. Making hay while the World Cup shines !