Integrating through music

CHENNAI: As a prelude to the much-awaited Margazhi celebrations in the months of December and January, the Bharat Sangeet Utsav 2011 will take place for 10 days, starting October 29. Organised by Carnatica, a music portal, the seventh edition of the music festival will pay tribute to the various and diverse genres of classical music from across the country. “It has been conceptualised to be a onestop- show for all forms of Indian music,” says KN Sashikiran, one of the founders of Carnatica.Over 120 musicians will perform from 2.30pm till 9.30pm each day.On the inaugural day, carnatic vocalist Sudha Ragunathan will present a themed concert titled Mile Sur Mera Tumhara — A confluence of Indian music styles.“Bharatiya sangeeth is a very wide canvas in various angams and languages.I’m not completely sure if I can accommodate everything within a oneand- a-half-hour concert, but will definitely at least mention everything and do half of what I’ve said,” says Sudha.Other highlights of the Utsav include a concert by brother Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, sons and disciples of the sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, on the inaugural day, the ever-popular bhajans of OS Arun, performances from S Sowmya, Nithyasree Mahadevan, Malladi Brothers, TN Krishnan, and the Priya Sisters.Apart from these performances, a new addition to the innovative format this year is the introduction of combination concerts, pertaining to both carnatic and Hindustani jugalbandhis. Additionally, winners and young talents from popular television music shows will also take part.To make the concerts more audience-friendly, prizes will be given away to those who can predict the ragas which will be performed the next day.