I have thought it appropriate to give a sketch of what we are thinking for 2008 and details about few programs already lined up.
2008 series is going to be, of a set of artists who have been associated with us (either directly by being members here or indirectly by interacting with us personally).
Concerts
A weekend date towards the end of June will have Ms Sowmya Presenting a Ramanathan Double Special.
Most probably it will be at Mantra's (recently refurbished ) Music Room at his home near Valluvar Kottam .This shall be a Tribute to MDR as well as S Ramanathan.
Rasikas can expect a real treat.
If Carnatica Ramanathan agrees to sing an invocation , We dont mind labelling it "Ramanathan Triple Special'
July will see us hosting Prema Rengaarjan.Rasikas are welcome to get in touch with her , through Mr Rengarajan who is a member here , to make requests and give her ideas for a theme.
August September October will be reserved for Jeyasree-Jeyaraaj and Neyveli Santhangopalan , Delhi Muthukumar and Sivranjini.
G Ravikiran and Iyer Brothers, being outstation choices ... will depend on their programs to be in Chennai
Other activities.
And one exclusive Tyagaraja Special Concert which I want to have at VGVindans Home, as a tribute to his endeavours.
And a Ramaraj Special , as and when he can coax Rajee Gopalkrishnan to sing for us.But first of all we wish that he recovers fully.
Lalgudi GJR Krishnan has kindly accepted our request to spend a full evening with Lalgudi Jayraman at their Home in T Nagar. It should happen after GJR returns from an overseas trip in about 10 days.Most likely a Sunday in the second or third week of June.
Chennai Contributors can expect me to stand with the Bowl at each concert .So please dont leave your purse behind at home.
Overseas contributors can please get in touch with Vasanthakokilam.
I am sorry for the short period of lull in activity.I dont have time at my disposal , like I used to have before and so had to wait for Mantras Home to get ready for hosting the concerts.
But the most important thing is not about the contribution.It is about making your presence felt , by Being Present at the Concert.
If I have left out any other artist here or even in Bangalore, I sincerely beg your pardon.Please do write to me and we can continue this series until we exhaust all the choices.I have not touched upon the subject of Professional Accompanists who are very active here , simply because we have never wanted to have a say in these matters.But if there is a way by which we can engage accompanists too, I would be willing to hear from them in Private.
Regards
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