AN INDIAN musical tradition dating back half a millennium was continued with a performance in Rugby.
The May Mahotsavam event took place at the Indian Community Centre for the second time since its launch last year.
It showcased 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 – to an audience of around 150.
A morning session featured dancing, singing and violin performances by children.
The afternoon session comprised performances by professional artists from across the UK, including a traditional vocal concert accompanied by violin and percussion, an Indian Percussion ensemble performed on the Mridangam, Ghatam, Tavil and Tabla, and an interactive session on how music and maths complement each other.
Organiser and performer Srividya Venkat, a performing artist, teacher and a musical event organiser, said she started the event 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.”
She said every performance was unique and memorable, and was greeted with ‘mind-blowing’ cheers from the audience.
She added: “As an artist, you need a responsive audience, and they serve you as confidence boosters and adrenaline raisers.
“We wanted people to come and enjoy the musical bliss. The whole community supported the cause and was lovely to see everyone treating this as their personal event.
“We all missed these types of interaction during the Covid period and are glad that live performances are back to their fullest.
“We wish to see the event grow bigger in the coming years and to bring in a variety of artists nationally.”
