Cleveland Aradhana 2008

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 06 Feb 2008, 05:58

Finally, a chance for us NRI's to boast!

The schedule for the cleveland aradhana 2008 (March 22-30) is up, and looks to be another impressive week featuring Lalgudi Duo (is there a better phrase I should be using), Prof. R.S. Ramakanth (prime sunday morning slot), Srivalasan Menon, Gayathri Venkataraghavan, M.S. Sheela, Sikkil Gurucharan, N. Ravikiran, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, Nirmala Sundarajan, Srimathi Brahmandam, Rudrapatnam Bros, Jayalakshmi Santhanam, Carnatica Brothers, O.S. Thiagarajan, Manakkal Rangarajan, Suguna Varadachari, and finally T.N. Seshagopalan.

Those were the biggest names I first recognized, but there are obviously far more participants overall, and if you don't know the website, its

aradhana.org

Can't wait!

rrao13 · Post by **rrao13** » 06 Feb 2008, 06:13

Yes, definitely a chance for the desis in North America to boast.
Interesting to note that some major names are missing! For example: Sanjay, TM Krishna, Dr. N Ramani.
Of course, there are childrens programs which I think will make all of us hopeful about the future of Karnatik Music.
Oh, I almost forgot - Shri RK Srinkantan's name is also missing. Hope Shri Ramakanth can fill the gap.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 06 Feb 2008, 06:45

TM Krishna was there last year, and Sanjay the year before, so maybe there's trying to rotate the major artists around?

I noticed that RKS was missing, but Ramakanth is listed twice for concerts, which was a little confusing. It's either a typo or maybe RKS will join Ramakanth for the main concert.

gopalank · Post by **gopalank** » 06 Feb 2008, 08:49

Interesting! I can't remember a Cleveland mela in recent years without some or all of the following: Sanjay, TMK, Sowmya, Sudha, R-G, Aruna, N Ramani and of course Srimushnam Raja Rao, one of the live wires every year. Whatever happened to him??? As for RKS mama, I feel the prime Sunday morning slot is actually meant for him. Anyway, history tells us there will be daily changes to the posted schedule until the festival actually starts on March 21st...

saravanan · Post by **saravanan** » 06 Feb 2008, 17:28

Nice to see new faces coming.
Lets give them chance forgetting the usual sudha sowmya tmk aruna and all.
Cost also matters I guess!!:).I heard Sanjay outpriced himself 2 years ago!! so no takers.

komalangi · Post by **komalangi** » 06 Feb 2008, 22:43

What is shocking is the absence of Ramani and Raja Rao. Maybe, this being an election year in the US, politics may be in the air. I cannot help but notice that the usual big names are being replaced mostly by pensioners, "Also Rans", and "no hopes in Chennai" artists. Maybe Cleveland is losing its "hall of fame" status.

mahesh3 · Post by **mahesh3** » 06 Feb 2008, 23:12

Well, TMK has an April-May tour scheduled...so I guess it doesnt make sense for him to tour in March...

Are Vids like RK Srikantan, Manakkal, Kalpagam mami and Rudrapatnam brothers giving other concerts besides Cleveland?

hsuvarna · Post by **hsuvarna** » 06 Feb 2008, 23:24

Why aaradhana committe prefers the spring break? The weather is still adjusting between winter and spring. Is'nt summer a better choice? That makes longer days and more music or more time to enjoy? Any thoughts?

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 07 Feb 2008, 00:29

I cannot help but notice that the usual big names are being replaced mostly by pensioners, "Also Rans", and "no hopes in Chennai" artists

Calling established artistes like Kalpagam mami, RK Srikanthan, TNS, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, OST, Ravikiran and upcoming ones like Sikkil Gurucharan and Gayathri V as "pensioners" and "also rans" is condescending. I wish people would stop making such sweeping statements to make a quick point.

appu · Post by **appu** » 07 Feb 2008, 01:21

Thank you Mahavishnu for making that point. Terrible, terrible thing for Komalangi to say. BTW what or who is a "ran". Never heard that word.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 07 Feb 2008, 10:45

appu,
The old world equivalent is 'enga vITTukkArarum kacErikkup pORAr.' My husband too 'makes the pretense
of ' going to work (an idle lawyer with no clients to represent at the court). kacEri also meant the law courts in those days.Still does, in karnataka, for example.

One welcoming feature of the season this year was that several veterans gave performances. As rasikAs, we like to see talented youngsters performing. We also wish and wish we had heard the old timers 'live' instead of having to listen to their recordings. Well, though their voices may not be that appealing, they are fine representatives of various schools of CM. Parasala Ponnammal (82) and R.K. Srikantan (88) are going to sing in Cleveland. I look upon it as a positive thing. Some of these veterans taught the american kids on skype last year and we heard that they gave an impressive concert. I don't know if young aspirants attend these veteran's concerts in India. I feel it is with great responsibility and effort that the organizers make arrangements for their travel and stay in Cleveland. The spirit to preserve the old is very much evident here. There is 'politics' in the mightiest and lowliest of organizations. As an american though, I feel mighty proud that the Cleveland Aradhana has been an example of immigrants in keeping a precious part of their culture alive. Not only that. They are making sure that it would pass on from generation to generation...

Yes, not the best of times to hold the Aradhana. However, the university is generous enough to offer its halls for the festival. Only when the school closes in spring are the halls available.I don't know if they can get the halls in summer. Colleges have summer sessions and summer camps going on at that time.
Even the city recognizes and honors the festival...

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 07 Feb 2008, 12:10

mahavishnu wrote:
I cannot help but notice that the usual big names are being replaced mostly by pensioners, "Also Rans", and "no hopes in Chennai" artists
Calling established artistes like Kalpagam mami, RK Srikanthan, TNS, Neyveli Santhanagopalan, OST, Ravikiran and upcoming ones like Sikkil Gurucharan and Gayathri V as "pensioners" and "also rans" is condescending. I wish people would stop making such sweeping statements to make a quick point.

Vidwan Sri R K Srikantan has been awarded the most coveted title of Sangeetha Kalanidhi by the Music Academy.

Sanjay, Aruna, Sudha, etc., will be running for a long time before they get the Sangeetha Kalanidhi.

They are the "also-rans".

Methinks Komanangi is slightly confused.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 07 Feb 2008, 12:36

I wouldn't call them also-rans just because they haven't (yet?) won the SK...but I think the general consensus is that Komanangi is pretty confused.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 07 Feb 2008, 17:19

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.

Lakshman · Post by **Lakshman** » 07 Feb 2008, 17:45

I will be there on saturday and sunday of the Easter weekend. You can locate me in the lobby at one of the tables.

mahesh3 · Post by **mahesh3** » 07 Feb 2008, 20:15

I will be there the second weekend....Mahavishnu, would be nice to meet you and other rasikas, if possible!

mridangamkid · Post by **mridangamkid** » 07 Feb 2008, 20:50

Hello everybody, long time no see.

Sorry for the absence for the past while, but I have been browsing a lot (and hopefully I have matured since then)

I will definitely be in Cleveland this year, not going to compete but ready to listen to some fine music. I'm trying my best to stay there for the entire week, my parents can't stay with me because of work, so I'm trying to find a person that can room with me during the stay.

I believe Guruvayoor Dorai will be there right? Why no mention of him?

sankirnam · Post by **sankirnam** » 07 Feb 2008, 20:55

I'll only be there for one day.,, friday (march 28)

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 07 Feb 2008, 22:26

MK, if you're refering to me, I was only alluding to the main vocalists, but there are always great mridangam artists there...Dorai mama will be the third most senior mridangam vidwan, after Ramnad Raghavan and Vellore Ramabhadran, and will be winning their top award. I have Wedesday eyed as my favorite day from the mridangam perspective, with Ramnad Raghavan, Thiruvarur Vaidyanathan, Manargudi Easwaran, and Guruvayoor Dorai performing. It's nice to see that Sri Hari Babu, whose been doing â€œGurukulavasam with Sri Dorai for many years now will also be attending. Other visiting artists include Thanjavur Murugaboopathy, and Neyveli Skandasubramaniam

Other local artists include Sri Vinod Seetharaman, Toronto Sri Gowrishankar, and Sri Sriram will be and a few youngsters as well (but not Rajna Swaminathan or Rohan Krishnamurthy) .

It's also noteable that sri Raja Rao isn't listed, I'm not sure why, I've seen him every year there since I started going in 1993, and I can't imagine an aradhana without him...

mridangamkid · Post by **mridangamkid** » 07 Feb 2008, 22:59

Thank you for the response mri_fan

I was just wondering if Dorai sir wasn't coming, because I talked to him a couple weeks ago and he confirmed telling me he will be there.

What I did not know however, was that Babu sir will be there. This is great news. I was speaking to him a couple days back, and he said he was trying his best to make it to Cleveland. Do you have this confirmed? Because if you do, I will be one happy camper.

It is odd, that Raja Rao sir isn't going to be there, last year he was definitely a great speaking with his incredible sense of humor.

I was talking to Ajay Ravichandran (not sure if anyone knows him), and I thought he told me that Ranjna was coming, but then again I don't know Rajna well, I've just heard of her, so I wouldn't know if she is or isn't.

I also wonder why Rohan isn't coming, maybe because of College? I'm not sure.

As you can tell, I am very excited for this event.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 08 Feb 2008, 01:01

Lakshman-ji, Mahesh3, Sankirnam, Mridangamkid and others going to Cleveland.
It would be great to meet up and have a rasikas.org get together.

Currently, given work constraints it looks Iike I will be there between from March 23-27th. I hope that does not mean I have to miss some of you... I will start a new thread, in due course, on Music & Festivals to confirm a rendezvous. Meanwhile, other rasikas in the US/Canada, please consider joining us....

Mri_fan: thanks for pointing out the high-quality accompanists listed. Unfortunately, we often overlook this when paying attention only to the main artistes in any program listing. Wednesday's program on the schedule looks like a dream for percussion enthusiasts.

mridangamkid · Post by **mridangamkid** » 08 Feb 2008, 01:40

I wouldn't mind meeting up with other rasikas if they don't mind meeting me

komalangi · Post by **komalangi** » 08 Feb 2008, 03:34

I am happy to be declared a confused one. I do not think that it is mere coincidence that the "most popular" musicians in carnatic music today, who were regular performers at Cleveland in the past, are not in the line-up today. I have nothing against a line-up involving the mentioned artists. I merely made an observation regarding the potential decline in the popularity of Cleveland festival amongst popular artists. Maybe, the festival organizers have changed their focus to provide a platform to the morning slot performers at the Music Academy. Just curious as to why Sri Nedunuri Krishnamurthy garu is not on the invitee list in that regard. My understanding is that the current senior/junior musicians such Gurucharan, Ravikiran et al are on tour anyway. Anyway, good luck and best wishes for success at the festival.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 08 Feb 2008, 05:05

So komalangi, you're gripe is about Sri NK not being on the invited list? Maybe he was invited, but he declined to make the trip over here. Do you have any more insight into the matter than the rest of us? All we can do is look at the who is/ who isn't coming from the website. And finally, you say :

I merely made an observation regarding the potential decline in the popularity of Cleveland festival amongst popular artists.

That's a pretty definitive statement to make without offering one ounce of evidence. Have you considered the possibility that it's just a matter of finances, and maybe the Aradhana can't afford to pay every single person's travel fee's + concert fee's + hotel feels? They don't have an unlimited budget, so I don't understand why you associate a few top names missing with the Aradhana not being popular.

mrikid: I'm just basing my assessment on who is listed on the website...Ranaja and Rohan aren't mentioned, and so based on that, I presume they won't be there (to participate). That said, these schedules tend to be modified before the event itself. That said, I'd be surprised if they bump out another youngster to put them instead.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 08 Feb 2008, 05:34

I don't mean to flood this board, but I would be besides myself if I was accused of not mentioning the violinists...

I think the most senior violinists would be Sri GJR Lalgudi, whose playing in the main Saturday slot with Smt. Vijaylakshmi. She's also accompanying a few artists throughout the week. Sri V.V. Ravi is new to the Cleveland festival, at least in recent times. In addition, familiar faces Nagai Sriram, Akkarai Subhalakshmi, and Sri B. Raghavendra Rao will be there. Subhalakshmi's sister Swarnalatha will also be visiting for her first time. In addition, many local violinists will continue to play, including Sri Jayshankar Balan and Smt Ranjani Arun.

The most noteable absence is that of Nagai Sri Mulidharan, who had a four year run (at least) of coming to Cleveland.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 08 Feb 2008, 05:53

Komalangi, just for the record.... TNS, NSG, OST, GJR/Viji, Ravikiran and GayathriV are ALL prime-time/senior evening slot performers in the Music Academy from the last season. I really would not come to the conclusion that the Cleveland aradhana committee has focussed more on "veteran" musicians. Every year they have a few veteran slots that have been graced by the likes of T Mukta and this year it is RKS, Kalpagam mami and another great doyen Manakkal Rangarajan.

I have to agree with Mri_fan that just because we don't see someone's name on the list does not mean that were political motivations behind it. There are a large number of reasons why some artistes might not have elected to perform this year.

With all due repsect, I for one am glad that we get to listen to musicians other than Sudha & Aruna Sairam.

And yes, Mri_fan, there are some good violinists too. I couldn't pick up from your earlier post if you will be attending...

appu · Post by **appu** » 08 Feb 2008, 06:03

Cleveland Aradhana tends to bring artists together, young, old and in between. Where else can you listen to a concert with both Vellore Ramabhadran and Manargudi Eashwaran on the same platform. That is one concert I am looking forward to reading a review off. Friday March 28th 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Hope fully one of the rasikas who attends will be kind enough to post.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 08 Feb 2008, 10:25

I don't think the popular artistes were ignored. More a matter of moolas, as you say.
Would be so nice to meet up with you all in Cleveland. Pity, I can't make it to the festival this year...

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 08 Feb 2008, 12:36

arasi wrote:I don't think the popular artistes were ignored. More a matter of moolas, as you say. ...

Why does everyone assume that it was unreasonable monetary demands on the part of artists? Isn't that casting aspersions without evidence?

All artists have their family to think of. At some point, touring around the world and around India may have to take a back seat to familial imperatives.

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 08 Feb 2008, 20:20

I don't think we assumed unreasonable demands by musicians at all. But you can't assume that Cleveland has an unlimited budget either...I doubt they can afford to bring all top musicians every single year. It's not that their demands are unresonable...I don't think anyone has implied that at all.

appu · Post by **appu** » 08 Feb 2008, 20:52

Wow what a hot topic!!!!!!. Controversy has kicked up even before the aradhana has made a running start. Look at the rasikas go. Like Mike Tyson and others.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 08 Feb 2008, 21:18

I did not mean money in the sense of undue demands from artistes. The organizers too, might not have the funds to pay the stars their 'reasonable' rates.
It is difficult for the organizers of any event to find funds, let alone a huge undertaking like the Cleveland Aradhana. I do realize that it is not easy for the musicians either. To deal with traveling, inclement weather, and being away from their families is not a piece of cake...

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 08 Feb 2008, 22:27

harimau: Are you playing devil's advocate, or you really know what is going on?

Sam Swaminathan · Post by **Sam Swaminathan** » 09 Feb 2008, 02:44

appu wrote:Where else can you listen to a concert with both Vellore Ramabhadran and Manargudi Eashwaran on the same platform.

MAE was with me till end of last week in NZ to attend my daughter's wedding, but did not tell me about him playing with Ramabadrn sir....any details on who they are accompanying?
By the way, is there a website with further info on cleveland aradhana?
Cheers

Sam Swaminathan · Post by **Sam Swaminathan** » 09 Feb 2008, 02:54

The answer to my question is here in this site....

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

Thanks

Sam

mri_fan · Post by **mri_fan** » 09 Feb 2008, 09:20

Btw, the Sunday morning concert has been changed to include Sri Ravikiran accompanying Sri RKS and Ramakanth on the chitraveena.

Should be phenomenal!

vinayo · Post by **vinayo** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:15

I wonder if it is proper to invite elderly artistes to Cleveland during the time of the year when the weather can be nasty. It is all the more surprising that the organization did not call these (revered) artistes a few decades ago (when they were perhaps, in their prime). It is needless to invite them merely to present awards and request them to perform for a couple of hours. The award function could as well be arranged by the Organization at a function in Chennai during the December Music season.

I have no doubt that the NRIs in the USA would love to listen to the top ranking artistes of today as well as the upcoming artistes

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 09 Feb 2008, 22:35

vasanthakokilam wrote:harimau: Are you playing devil's advocate, or you really know what is going on?

It is common knowledge that Gayathri of Ranjani-Gayathri duo has a small baby on her hands. She is going to be unable to travel extensively for the next couple of years. And I guess Ranjani wouldn't want to perform alone.

Nithyasri has the same problem.

You can then extrapolate it to see what might be the family situation with regard to other popular artists.

So, one could say I really know what is going on.

However, I really hate it when utter cynicism, my private preserve, is taken over by otherwise reasonable persons such as Arasi.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 09 Feb 2008, 23:46

Harimau - LOL!

Gayatri - Congratulations!

And que sera sera to everything else!

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 10 Feb 2008, 01:00

harimau: Thanks for that info. Hmmm... you do know your stuff

Good job Arasi

in encroaching the territory of Harimau..

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 10 Feb 2008, 09:57

VK,
I keep learning all the time here at the forum. Don't you forget that

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 11 Feb 2008, 09:18

vinayo wrote:I wonder if it is proper to invite elderly artistes to Cleveland during the time of the year when the weather can be nasty. It is all the more surprising that the organization did not call these (revered) artistes a few decades ago (when they were perhaps, in their prime). It is needless to invite them merely to present awards and request them to perform for a couple of hours. The award function could as well be arranged by the Organization at a function in Chennai during the December Music season.

I have no doubt that the NRIs in the USA would love to listen to the top ranking artistes of today as well as the upcoming artistes

People Of Unrecognized Genius whose advice is not sought by People Who Ought To Know Better must at least take the time to read the newspapers:

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/03/stories ... 400200.htm

As to the tastes of NRIs, it runs more to shrieking females and dueling abhangists, much like the taste of Chennai rasikas. And males who either cart in their own amplifiers and speakers or act as their own sound technicians while seated on stage... again, much like the taste of Chennai rasikas.

Yechhhhh!

vinayo · Post by **vinayo** » 11 Feb 2008, 19:23

harimau,
Thanks for bringing the Hindu article to my notice. I missed the article as I had left Chennai by then. Well, that preceisely was my point and I congratulate the organisation for their laudable service and it will be nice if they continue doing it.
Unfortunately, I dont understand the rest of your comments.

gumki_thatha · Post by **gumki_thatha** » 11 Feb 2008, 21:06

harimau, good one!

lswaminathan · Post by **lswaminathan** » 12 Feb 2008, 02:51

Dr. N. Ramani & Srimushnam Raja Rao are travelling to Australia during that time. If the concerts down under can be rescheduled, they might try and make it to Cleveland.

Lalitha Swaminathan

revanthv552 · Post by **revanthv552** » 12 Feb 2008, 19:37

are'nt sudha,sanjay,tmk,aruna,sowmya perfdorming???

gundakriya · Post by **gundakriya** » 12 Feb 2008, 20:49

Oh yes, they are all still performing... not in Cleveland '08 though!

musicquest · Post by **musicquest** » 15 Feb 2008, 11:27

let us give an opportunity for upcoming artists like Gayatri Venkatraghavan........we have all seen what Dravid , Ganguly and Laksman can do. We need change we need new voices and new faces that is what makes this festival so exciting. They have a tough task on hand let us help them by encouraging and let us stop finding faults.

Bhindi · Post by **Bhindi** » 15 Feb 2008, 12:00

Let us not forget Ashwin and Rohin, Srivalsan Menon and the other younger generation artists who will be featured at the aradhana

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 15 Feb 2008, 12:09

hello. music lovers,who have posted their views so far in this thread,do not miss ashwinand rohin(torontto brothers},disciples of poojyasri s r janakiraman gobilalitha