NCPA is coming up with educational initiatives aiming to bring together eminent artistes,scholars,connoisseurs and students of music to enable knowledge sharing and analysis of different aspects of Indian music as practiced today in the two main branches of Indian classical music. Hindustani and Carnatic music are similar in their fundamental approach to melodic and rhythmic organisation (raag and taal) and yet are distinct traditions,distinguishable by their styles and forms,poetry and song repertories,intonation,ornamentation and instrumentation. Mala Ramadorai,a senior vocalist trained in both Hindustani and Carnatic tradition,presented an interactive session to elucidate the distinguishing features of Carnatic music in Sangit Chintan: Musical Reflections¸ an introduction to Carnatic Music by Mala Ramodorai on June 10. This is a programme in association with the Piramal Group. Dr. Rao,Head Programming (Indian Music),NCPA,says We dont want to replicate what the gurus are teaching,but offer reflective sessions and ones that complement the guidance offered by the gurus. As far as possible,the aim is to match academic sessions to the performances we are showcasing, she adds. Today,because of technology,the choices offered to us are multiple and we have access to more information with regard to our musical heritage, says Ramadorai. Both the Hindustani and Carnatic systems are similar,but,it is the detailing about which one has to be made aware. The other programme was Utkarsh: In Reverence To The Maestro,a Violin Recital by N. Rajam. She is a Padmabhushan recipient and a renowned violinist of the Gwalior Gharana (which will be performed at the recital) and will be accompanied by her granddaughter,Nandini Shankar,during the performance. Utkarsh is a special series that presents eminent masters from the world of Indian music and dance. Dr. Rao says,Utkarsh is an ongoing initiative of the NCPA,where we present very senior musicians who have dedicated their lives to music. older styles of music rarely heard now.
