Cleveland Aradhana 2008

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 15 Feb 2008, 12:28

ha ha ha controversy has been started by some members of this forum even in cleveland gobilalitha

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 16 Feb 2008, 17:05

There have been lots of contradictory and controversial speculations about the choice of artists to perform at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana as well as the supposed political and economic implications of these choices.

I eminently recommend the following link which provides accurate and detailed information on this aspect as well as many other aspects of interest regarding the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana. This is an interview by H. Ramakrishnan on Chennai Online of none other than Cleveland V . V. Sundaram who is the originator of this festival and has successfully conducted it for the last 30 years. As one who has been involved in arranging Carnatic music concerts and tours since the 1960s in the US, I can assure as well as answer anyone as to the veracity and truth of the various statements made by Sri V. V. Sundaram.

http://chennaionline.com/Personality/art008.asp

I would like to take this occasion to congratulate the entire Cleveland Aradhana Committee for the incredibly difficult miracle they have been successfully managing to perform for the past three decades. As one who has practical experience in the monumental task involved, I am continually amazed at their successful efforts.

V. K. Viswanathan

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 16 Feb 2008, 21:08

Thanks Sri. Viswanathan. That is a nice interview.

mridangamkid · Post by **mridangamkid** » 16 Feb 2008, 22:40

I'm not sure if anyone has seen this yet

http://www.aradhana.org/awards.html

These are some honorary awards being handed out

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 17 Feb 2008, 09:56

thanks sri VKV, You have given a fitting and stinging reply to easychair critics. the blessings of st. thyagaraja will always be there gobilalitha

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 17 Feb 2008, 11:54

Yes, the interview throws light on the dedication with which music lovers in distant lands have realized an almost impossible dream.
As global as I am, it makes me proud to think that Sundaram is also a native of my ancestral village!

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 17 Feb 2008, 17:49

Thanks Dr. VKV for that post.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 17 Feb 2008, 20:12

The site has been radically revamped...looks really nice.

sridhar_ranga · Post by **sridhar_ranga** » 18 Feb 2008, 00:12

arasi wrote:Yes, the interview throws light on the dedication with which music lovers in distant lands have realized an almost impossible dream.
As global as I am, it makes me proud to think that Sundaram is also a native of my ancestral village!

And I realized only today that the then India Head of a software company I briefly worked for 10 years ago, is the same Mr. Sundaram! I had even met him once back then!

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 18 Feb 2008, 23:21

Despite all criticism and speculation about who will perform and who will not, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the entire Cleveland Aradhana team for bringing carnatic music to the shores of the great lakes. We, in the detroit area have started looking forward to it and enjoy it very much. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and a whole generation of kids have been involved in various capacities. This is one of the best ways to pass on to our future generation those values and tradition which we hold dear to our heart.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 19 Feb 2008, 10:28

Dear Nadhasudha,
Your observations alone are enough motivation for the various volunteers involved with the Cleveland Aradhana.....As you know the whole thing is the result of dedicated volunteers , the generous contributions from sponsors and well wishers, attendees etc....... When I see the present generation youngsters at Cleveland I am more than happy; I see Darwin's theory working within 2 generations! VKV

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 19 Feb 2008, 10:35

And imagine! There were some gurus in the past who were reluctant to pass on their wealth to SishyAs! As for Cleveland, many musicians have taught youngsters by skype and in person. They share their knowledge with many youngsters. We are happy that we can preserve the music of yesterday and because of technology, this gets even better--as though we are passing on the genes of the best of CM to posterity.
Suggestions to improve the quality of the event would be welcomed by the organizers, no doubt. Criticism which carries no weight is of no value...

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 19 Feb 2008, 11:13

It's a tremendous feat to continue anything for 30 years...much less something as complicated as Cleveland. The fact that 8000 people attended last year is testamount to the strength of the Cleveland Aradhana organization and dedication of its volunteers.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 19 Feb 2008, 12:23

VKV: Consider Nadhasudha's sentiments echoed thousand times from all of us as well. Best wishes for a great Aradhana 2008.

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 19 Feb 2008, 12:57

I wonder whether there is any other music festival,anywhere in the world like ClevelandAradhana. . just consider for a moment the herculean efforts for conducting such a massive event .gobilalitha

Bhindi · Post by **Bhindi** » 05 Mar 2008, 08:29

mahavishnu wrote:On a slightly different note, I am planning to be in Cleveland for a few days of the festival.
I was wondering if any other rasikas were planning on attending and if we could arrange to meet. I am happy to start a thread elsewhere to coordinate this, if there is sufficient interest.

I am planning to be there through Thursday the 27th. Any interest from the Rasikas.org forum to meet

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 05 Mar 2008, 09:24

gobilalitha wrote:I wonder whether there is any other music festival,anywhere in the world like ClevelandAradhana. . just consider for a moment the herculean efforts for conducting such a massive event .gobilalitha

The Sydney Music Festival commenced last year. This year the festival will feature around 10 concerts by top artsites from India.
See http://www.swara-laya.com/invit.html

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 05 Mar 2008, 10:02

thanks. a separate thread will be useful.gobilalitha

greatkrishna · Post by **greatkrishna** » 06 Mar 2008, 07:24

Wow, good on SFAS for undertaking this massive task. Its good to see these top musicians visiting our friends down under. Interesting to see that these huge names (Aruna Sairam, TMK, Unni, Sudha) aren't coming to Cleveland but are going to Sydney. These people are regulars at Cleveland usually.

greatkrishna · Post by **greatkrishna** » 06 Mar 2008, 07:27

Even Raja Rao Sir, a colourful character of Cleveland, is going to Sydney. Has anyone heard anything which we may not know????

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 06 Mar 2008, 09:16

Word is that Raja Rao has another concert in Australia with Ramani sir for that same time. Cleveland is a little earlier this year than in the past, so it seems to be a scheduling issue.

musicquest · Post by **musicquest** » 06 Mar 2008, 11:35

Human nature is such that we don't enjoy what we have, we always crave for what we don't have. How many times do we want to hear the same voices.

The success of the youth in the Indian cricket team makes for a compelling story. Everyone has to be given an opportunity let us appreciate and welcome the new artists. Who knows where you may find a GEM. Give them a chance. All they ask for is an opportunity.

I congratulate the Cleveland Aradhana committee for thinking outside the box and providing a platform for the "Not so famous" musicians. I am attending with 200 other folks only to hear the new voices and believe me we expect to find a Ishant Sharma amongst the new faces.

The schedule is a nice blend of youth and experience.

sankirnam · Post by **sankirnam** » 06 Mar 2008, 20:40

well TNS sir is going to be there, so I can't really complain

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 06 Mar 2008, 23:52

musicquest wrote:Human nature is such that we don't enjoy what we have, we always crave for what we don't have. How many times do we want to hear the same voices.

The success of the youth in the Indian cricket team makes for a compelling story. Everyone has to be given an opportunity let us appreciate and welcome the new artists. Who knows where you may find a GEM. Give them a chance. All they ask for is an opportunity.

I congratulate the Cleveland Aradhana committee for thinking outside the box and providing a platform for the "Not so famous" musicians. I am attending with 200 other folks only to hear the new voices and believe me we expect to find a Ishant Sharma amongst the new faces.

The schedule is a nice blend of youth and experience.

I endorse the views of musicquest; though I am not in the US of A and will not be attending the festival, I echo the sentiments of mq.For all of you who will be attending the same 'have a wonderful time listening to good music'; may be we can get to see some here in India, courtesy 'Jaya TV'.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 22 Mar 2008, 01:52

To all forumites likely to be in Cleveland this week, please email me at [email protected] and we can arrange a rendezvous. I will be there from this sunday March 23rd for a few days.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 22 Mar 2008, 02:38

mahavishnu,
Hope you get to meet a few. Lakshman, dependent on the time you arrive, would be there this weekend.
Anyway, let us have reports and reviews from you and others...

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 22 Mar 2008, 03:58

thanks, Arasi. I have already touched base with Lakshman-ji. I look forward to seeing his "Lyrics corner", if I am fortunate enough.
Depending on internet connectivity where I am staying (across the street at the Comfort Inn) I will report songlists as frequently as I can.

ramanathan · Post by **ramanathan** » 23 Mar 2008, 00:24

Pics from Cleveland Aradhana that started today thave been posted at:
http://www.carnatica.net

I'll do my best to give periodic photo updates of the fest over the next 10 days.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 23 Mar 2008, 03:49

Many Thanks! Please do...

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Mar 2008, 04:38

ramanathan,
Thanks for the pictures! Always appreciate your input...

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 23 Mar 2008, 07:48

ramanathan: Those are quite a nice set of pictures. Quite impressive and colorful. They catch your eyes in an instant. As you mentioned, please keep adding to the pictures. I am looking forward to it.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 23 Mar 2008, 13:48

ramanathan
wonderful pictures especially Shri manakkAl and Shri RKS.

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 23 Mar 2008, 15:00

I agree with rajeshnat;that is a really good one.
Nice to see the young girl-ranjana- on the mridangam.

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 23 Mar 2008, 17:37

Ha! Yours truly can be seen in the first row, in a gray sweatshirt, leaning forward.

The group pancharatna singing was a bit of a racket as usual, although marginally less so than the Thiruvaiyaru circus, thanks to the smaller number of folks participating. I left after the first couple.

Attended part of Lalgudi Krishnan and Viji accompanied by Thiruvarur Vaidyanathan and Karthik Venkataraman. They played a nice pallavi in Shanmukhapriya, in Tisra Ata tala. The first three beats were in chatrurashra nadai, the next three in thrishra and last four again in chaturashta. Quite neat. I forgot the lyrics, after all there's a limit to even the lalgudi's being able to make the violin "sing"

. Earlier I entered during the beginning of the tani, which was quite good. Karthik teamed up quite well with Vaidyanathan and thrishram figured prominently including the koraippu.

The best part of the evening was honoring Smt. Kalpakam Swaminathan with the title of Sangita Kala Sagaram. It was such a poignant moment, as the tiny old lady came up to the stage and received the award. Her "speech" was a short thank you. Obviously she's not in the business of speech making and for once I think the cliche that somone lets the music speak for itself seemed so appropriate. I took the initiative of standing up to clap and as intended the herd mentality kicked in and everyone stood up to give the maami the well-deserved standing ovation. Wonderful. The downside of the standing ovation was that every other artiste who was honored subsequently got one, thereby forcing on some of us an unsolicited cardiovascular workout.

rrao13 · Post by **rrao13** » 23 Mar 2008, 19:31

Did any of the learned rasikas and members of this forum attend the Sustaining Sampradaya concert on Prahlada Bhakthi Vijayam performed by 21 youngsters? Any comments/feedback? Thanks.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 23 Mar 2008, 19:37

Thanks Uday!
Nice to see you making a hyperbolic bend and if it was radhika beside you providing an asymptotic support.. The pancaratna group even if they could not meet the cacaphony of Thiruvaiyaru crowd do appear to match them in colour

Do keep us informed of the technical highlights. Kalpakam maami uniqely stands out by the side of Lord Venkateswara as a pillar of siver beacon and if she was taciturn then it was the effect of the title 'saagaram' (Still waters run deep and wont ruffle easily). Have a great time and keep us posted!

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Mar 2008, 21:33

Thank you, Uday. Hope we get a daily dose of reportage from you. Could not see Radhika but spotted you in the picture. Were you warmly clad or were you in your customary gear?

lswaminathan · Post by **lswaminathan** » 24 Mar 2008, 05:32

Rajna will be accompanying Smt. M. S. Sheela on Mrudangam - Tuesday March 25th from 9:00 to 11:00 am. (Toronto Gowrishankar is unable to participate). This will be a very good opportunity for Rajna.

Lalitha Swaminathan

shanks · Post by **shanks** » 24 Mar 2008, 07:50

On the flip side, i have some serious questions on the ethics relating to the organization of the competition.

On friday a competition was held at the aradhana venue where there were about 350 entries (not children because a number of them participated in multiple events).

Here are some points or facts as one can think of them relating to the competition:

1. The kids chosen based on an audition (as it is stated) for the Sustaining Sampradaya Group of 21 kids were participating in the competition - wonder why they should even bother other than for the 'concert' competition.

2. These kids were trained by various musicians thru Skype etc - not knowing the complete list of musicians who taught them, the possibility that some of them could have been judges raises an ethical question

3. The kid who won the prize last year for the concert (she performed a one hour concert at the aradhana) was participating in a bunch of categories !!

4. A number of students of Anuradha Sridhar (daughter of Srimati Brahmanandam) participated in the Violin category for which Lalgudi G J R Krishnan was a judge. Regardless of the fact that the results showed that the judging was based on merit, is it an ethical practice?

5. The boy with the world record of being the youngest to release a CD participated in the competition.

Each of these points begs the question why? Are the organizers blind to these glaring facts or have they chosen to sweep these under the carpet.

If you think this was bad, the manner in which the competition was conducted was downright pathetic. That will be a different post.

The organizers seem to be in a cocoon that they are doing such a fabulous job, that they are impervious to issues such as these nor do they seem inclined to consider suggestions from people who are supporting the aradhana (i am aware of a number of persons who have sent in suggestions).

Shanks

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 24 Mar 2008, 08:38

1) the children in the concert are not at the level of given concerts...not at all...some of them may have given some, but none of them have ever given concerts at Cleveland besides the SS group. They are from the pool of students who have competed before, so there's no reason to thing they shouldn't be allowed to compete again.

2) This is a valid criticism that happened last year...you can dig up previous threads about it. It remains as a problem that the committees may want to try to address, but it's very difficult to do so.

3) Why should the girl who won the concert competition be barred from further competition? As I see it, she has every right to continue competing in other categories (she hasn't won 1st place in those categories) and it's common for some people who win the same prize in multiple years.

4) I doubt that GJR has the time to learn exactly who is Anuradha Sridhar's students...but that's really sort of an inevitability. Mridangam students who compete have often taken lessons from Raja Rao sir, or Dorai sir, etc. Violin students who compete also may have taken lessons from some of the judges, but we must have faith that judges will base on music.

Let me give you an example.

Recently, GJR was the judge for a student in the senior violin category who had taken lessons for him. The student competed in Kriti, in which he got 3, ragam (in which he got third and the other participant got second, with no first) and pallavi (he was the only student, and he didn't win anything in that category). doesn't seem too biased to me...

5)
Although that family may have some world record they got from a website, he has not played in a regular concert at cleveland, which I understand is the only factor which can disqualify you.

Cleveland's competition is incredibly difficult to pull off, considering how hard the students who compete work. There will always be some disgruntled participants, but that is an inevitability. There is always room for improvement, but understand the Herculean effort it takes to pull of 10 days of world-class music.

Perhaps we could discuss some of the changes you would like to see.
5)

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 24 Mar 2008, 09:16

Uday/Lakshman-ji, Sorry I missed you today.

I spoke to Ramanathan (from Carnatica) at the booth outside and it looks like I missed Lakshman-ji by about 3 minutes. That is quite unfortunate. Uday, I take it that you have left after the weekend.

My flight was late and by the time I made it in, Srivalson Menon was just finishing up with a Jagadhodharana.

I am posting a quick review of some events from today. I wrote things down on the back of my taxi receipt (which now looks like chicken scribble), so forgive any errors in the listing.

Kalpagam Swaminathan - Veenai
Akkarai Subhalakshmi - violin
Vellore Ramabhadran - Mridangam
Cleveland Balu - Kanjira

1. Varasidhi Vinayakam - Kanada - Muthiah Bhagavathar
2. Varashiki vahana - Supradeepam - Thyagaraja
3. Nee vegini - Bilahari - Tyagaraja
4. Parimala Ranganatham - Hamir Kalyani - MD
5. Etu Nammina - Saveri - Patnam Subramania Iyer
6. Inkevarunnaru nannu brova - Sahana - Annaswamy Shastry (followed by Tani)

I had to leave shortly after that, so I missed the next piece. Unfortunately when I returned the the final theermanam was being played and the concert was just about to end.

Kalpakam mami was in great form. The hamir kalyani was stellar. The audience was rapt in attention as though listening to a freshman linear algebra lecture just before a major exam and taking notes. The number of leading musicians in the audience was testimony to the character of the music and the stature of the individual.

Akkarai was at her usual best in accompaniment. Her Sahana alapanai was excellent. Vellore Ramabhadran was the pillar of solid rhythm and his occasional flourishes were done in very appropriate places. The Kanjira seemed a bit vestigeal until the Tani. The Tani was not planned after the Sahana but was forced due to time limitations.

The audience gave the octogenarian a truly deserved standing ovation not just for a great concert but as a gesture of appreciation for achievements over a lifetime.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 24 Mar 2008, 09:43

Being in Cleveland again is delightful. Here are some interesting events/notes from my first few hours of being here.

* Running into Manakkal Rangarajan- sir at the lobby of the Comfort Inn downtown. He was sitting in the lobby with a shawl over his head and ears as protection from the final throes of the midwestern winter. I went and introduced myself and then realized that my grandfather has accompanied him on the mridangam for many concerts about fifty years ago. I hope to meet fellow forumite Manakkal Sriram soon. Sriram-sir, if you happen to read his please send me an email at [email protected]

* Meeting Charubala and Suresh Gopalan from Charsur. They are amazing people with so much uncompromising devotion to their craft. I am so impressed with how much of their venture actually goes to supporting the cause of the artistes directly. This includes people like Madurai Somu's widow. They have items on display here that have not even been released in India.

* Having coffee with Smt Suguna Varadachari in the green room (don't ask me how I got privileged access). And my big gaffe was asking her, "Mami, ungale engeyo pattha madhiri irukke? (it feels like I have seen you somewhere before), only to realize a second later who she actually was. BTW, the coffee in the green room is the real thing. Not just any Americano coffee, it is 100% Kumbakonam degree.

* Meeting my elementary school music teacher only to realize that she is my mother-in-law's cousin.

* I also saw a brilliant dance performance by Smt Rhadha, Narthaki Nataraj and Smt Roja Kannan on compositions of the Tanjavur Quartette (including ones that inspired them). Also featured were three young dancers Abhinaya, Sivasri and Pranathi.
The music for the dance was performed live by Girish (grandson of T Brinda on vocals), Savithri Jagannatha Rao (Nattuvangam), Akkarai Swarnalatha on violin and Sri Hari Babu on the mridangam. The performance uniquely brought together the Vazhuvoor, Tanjore and Kalakshetra styles. Of course, the music was sensational in the style of the Tanjai Nalvar.... Jatiswaram (beginning with Sa Ni ri sa ni dha pa dha ni in Kalyani), Shabdham (Sarajijakshulu), Varnam (Navaragamalika beginning with Sami ninne kori in Todi), Kriti (Mamava Meenakshi - Varali), Padam (Begada), Javali (Saramaina: Swati Tirunal), Kavadi Chindu, Thillana (Sankarabharanam - tha thadim tana tirana). I was delighted to see the look of awe and excitement in the eyes of the younger members of the audience.

I couldn't really say more about this since my knowledge of dance is close to zero kelvin.

* And finally having chakkara pongal, ven pongal and thayirsadam at the restaurant of the comfort inn, listening to some children getting music lessons for their perfomance of Kamalamba nava varna kritis tomorrow.

To all those that wrote off the festival because you don't see a couple of big names listed here, you really have to be here to feel this. It is close to midnight here and the energy downstairs is still intense. But I have to catch some sleep, so I can do more of this tomorrow.

I love this place.....

rbharath · Post by **rbharath** » 24 Mar 2008, 10:24

wow! amazing list from kalpakam mami. and with amazing accompanists. must have been a real treat...

rrao13 · Post by **rrao13** » 24 Mar 2008, 16:41

Couple of anecdotes Shri Sundaram shared with the audience during his speech yesterday at the conclusion of Shri RK Srinkantan's concert.
About Shri RK Srinkantan: He is the personification of humility, humanity and total simplicity can be seen in this incident.He was to come to Chennai and conduct classes for the Sampradaya students. The classes were to be done over a spread of few weeks. He told Shri Sundaram that he will take the BLR-MAA night mail and in case he does not get reservations he will forced to take Shatabdi Express which apparently costs a bit more - he asked Sundaram if it was Ok to pay a little more for the train journey. Shri Sundaram was flabbergasted since he was ready to pay for the airfare and he told the audience that he would have happily chartered a plane to get Shri RK Srinkantan to come to Chennai.
As I type this I am tearing up and I will write another post on the next anecdote.

rrao13 · Post by **rrao13** » 24 Mar 2008, 16:57

Here is the 2nd anecdote that involves Shri Dr. Ramani. When he was performing in Cleveland he was invited by some organization to perform Jugalbandi with Mr. Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Shri VV Sundaram told the organizers that Dr. Ramani should be paid the same compensation that Mr. Chaurasia was getting. The organizers agreed and Dr. Ramani performed the concert - I dont remember which US city - he was handed over a check for $2500 at the end of the concert. Dr. Ramni called up Shri Sundaram and told him that he was shocked to get that much money and he does not have the habit of taking such a large sum ("Ittanai kaasu vaangina pazhakam illiye" -excuse my Tamil). Shri Sundaram told him not to worry about it and keep the money but Dr. Ramani just was not comfortable with the idea of keeping what he thought was a largesse....he donated the money to Cleveland Aradhana.

Shri Sundaram also said that on a different occasion, Dr Ramani got the news that his 27 year old daughter in law passed away and Shri Sundaram wanted him to take the next flight out of Cleveland - Dr, Ramani refused to do so and he went on to fulfill all his obligations in Cleveland and other US cities.

Shri Sundaram mentioned that such events, such sacrifices and such noble humble kings of the art of divine music make him and the Aradhana committee take on this arduous task of conducting such a mammoth event despite all types of frustrations (such as not getting visas, international flights, last minute changes in concert venue - just to name a few).

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 24 Mar 2008, 18:04

Thanks
Some very touching stories :shows the humanness of our vidvaans. Nice of you to share them with us. Now we got eyes and ears at the festival. Let some others also tell us about the highlights on the performances. Waiting to hear about MaNakkaal. Also more pictures!

sankirnam · Post by **sankirnam** » 24 Mar 2008, 19:13

mahavishnu wrote:BTW, the coffee in the green room is the real thing. Not just any Americano coffee, it is 100% Kumbakonam degree.

Good to know I can look forward to that on friday!

Also, how bad is the weather there? I just hope my flight won't get canceled because of a freak snowstorm or anything....

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 24 Mar 2008, 22:44

Sankirnam: Not too bad by Cleveland standards. No snow yet. There is some snow forecast over the next few days though.

mahesh3 · Post by **mahesh3** » 24 Mar 2008, 22:45

I wont be making it to Cleveland this year

! Had planned on making it to see Smt Kalpagam Swaminathan and also Vid RK Srikantan, but things cropped up. Looking to see the reviews...

shishya · Post by **shishya** » 24 Mar 2008, 23:33

I just returned from Celeveland and here are some pictures of Vidwan R.K. Srikanthan's concert and those of the prize winners.
http://picasaweb.google.com/snamuduri/Cleveland2008

Vidwan RKS's concert is still giving me goosebumps. He sang tanayuni brOva in bhairavi as the main item, which was, needless to say, out of this world. Bhairavi flowed through his voice in the most unadulterated, smooth way. I have no words to describe the feeling.