I would like to share my experience of a very interesting conversation I had with a performing artist. I believe the conversation addressed some topics that are relevant to this Forum.
On Sunday June 17th, I had the privilege of an open dialogue with Vidwan B K Anantha Ram, Flutist from Bangalore. This was a bonus treat for me, immediately following a memorable mini-concert by the Father and Son Duo (Shri. Ananatha Ram and son Amith Nadig) in a very private setting in a house concert, here in Rochester Hills, Michigan (U.S.A).
It may be recalled that a Fellow Rasika of this Forum had recommended "Do not miss" a performance by this Duo while reviewing their May 20th concert in Flint.
The Father and Son duo concluded their two month U.S. tour with a house concert organized by the eminent violinist-couple of Detroit area, Vid. Srikanth and Vid. Pavani Mallajoysula. The couple themselves are performing artists of high merit.
Mr. Anantha Ram cheerfully agreed to my request for a brief dialogue. I had already made a mental note of some questions I wanted to ask as a Rasika, and I wanted to hear the Vidwan's viewpoints/opinions as a performer.
Vidwan Anantha Ram gave full marks to us, the Rasikas here in the U.S.! He said he was impressed with the dedication of the Rasikas here - that they typically stay until the end of the concert! He noted that the Rasikas do not engage in private conversations while the concert is in progress. And, he was impressed that the performing artist almost always gets a standing ovation!
He had also noted that the number of requests from the audience for a song of their choice was typically higher here in the U.S! Vidwan Anantha Ram was also of the opinion that it is the duty/responsibility of the performer to giveout details of the item being performed (Raga, Tala, composer, such info.). He believes the performer has a responsibility to "educate the listener."
Mr. Anantha Ram was appreciative of the efforts on part of the organizers, who, on occasions, were not hesitant to drive 200 miles or such distance to pickup/drop off the artists.
I found it interesting to learn from Vidwan Anantha Ram that he regularly conducts workshops in Bangalore to educate listeners on the skills required to become a good Rasika! The skill set includes something as basic (but never openly discussed, in my opinion) as when to clap or not to clap during a concert!
Mr. Anantha Ram also suggested that the organizers should consider not having an afternoon concert (a common practice here in the U.S.) owing to the fact that it is typically a very late night (or early sunday morning) by the time the artist gets a chance to rest after his Saturday night concert. He suggested that the Sunday concert could be in the evening, perhaps a
Two hour mini concert, which would enable the organizers and the Rasikas to be home at a decent hour on the sunday night to get ready for the work week ahead.
Please visit www.vamshikarnaticflute.com to learn more about Vidwan Anantha Ram and activities of his organization "Vamshi Academy of Music Trust."