AN INDIAN classical musical tradition dating back half a millennium will continue this weekend with a performance in Rugby.
The May Mahotsavam event will showcase Indian Carnatic classical music – a 500-year-old musical art form from southern India which involves playing traditional compositions with the artists adding their own creative improvisations.
The event, which is now in its third year in Rugby, aims to bring Indian classical music to wider community and different cultures.
It will feature violin, vocal and percussion performances, and an interactive session on the evolution of Carnatic music and the Tamil language.
Organiser and violinist Srividya Venkat – a performing artist, teacher and a musical event organiser – said she started the event in 2022 to provide a platform for her musical students and professional adult performers, and to bring their music to a wider audience.
She said: “I felt the need for a professional platform focused primarily on Indian classical music.
“Considering the rich musical legacy of over 500 years, I want the wider community to appreciate and listen to music that is aesthetically pleasing and has a cultivated history.
“It is a very nice feeling and it makes me proud of the diverse musical heritage I carry forward.
“Music is a language of no words, and it is fascinating how different music shares similarities and blends so well. I hope different members of the audience can relate to special parts in the music tailored for them.”
The performances take place across a series of sessions from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday (May 11) at the Rugby Indian Association in Edward Street.
Call 07436 118765 or email [email protected] for more information.
