Chennai's vibrant Margazhi music and dance season is set to offer a rich tapestry of unique experiences this year, blending tradition with innovation and inclusivity. From a groundbreaking sign language choir to a dance drama choreographed over 14 years, the season promises something for every art lover.
Inclusivity Takes Centre Stage
A highlight of the season is Margazhi Matram, featuring an inclusive sign language choir. Led by hearing-impaired students from the Clarke School for the Deaf, alongside individuals with other disabilities, the choir will perform on December 7. According to founder Ranjini Kaushik, the group will perform three songs: Tamil Taiwazhta and the national anthem.
The performance is designed to be a shared experience. Lyrics will be flashed on a screen, and the entire audience will participate in signing along in silence. "This allows everyone to understand what life means to a deaf person and what music means in their silent world," explains Kaushik. This event marks a powerful step towards making classical arts more accessible.
Ragas in Intimate Spaces & A Legendary Tribute
The trend of hosting concerts in cozy venues continues to grow. Vinyl and Brew in Alwarpet is curating a 'Kaapi Ragam series', while Beachville Coffee Roasters will host 'A Carnatic Shot' – a series of seven concerts curated by Aalaap. One unique concert, "Paattu class," by Carnatic musician Rithvik Raja and his students, will invite the audience into a music classroom setting.
Furthermore, the season will pay homage to legendary composer Muthuswami Dikshitar ahead of his 250th birth anniversary in 2025. Vocalist G Ravi Kiran, leading the 'gurugruhamratha' movement, is organizing a day-long celebration on December 14 at Ragasudha Hall, Mylapore. The event will feature only Dikshitar's compositions, with a performance by US-based veena exponent Nirmala Rajasekhar.
Epic Productions & Youth Platforms
Kalakshetra presents a special edition of its famed dance dramas, staging all six parts of the Ramayana between December 19 and 28. The choreography itself is a marvel, having unfolded over 14 years, mirroring the epic's 14-year narrative arc. Initiated by Mysore Vasudevacharya and completed by S Rajaram, this presentation is a testament to enduring artistic dedication.
Recognizing young talent, ticketing platform MDnD is hosting an exclusive concert series for musicians aged 15-25 at its Mylapore hall from December 13 to 28. "It's a closed, chamber music kind of space," says co-founder Vijaya Kalyan. Every concert will be streamed live on their website, offering a vital platform for the next generation.
Reimagining Ancient Sounds
The band Uru Panaar, featuring Tharun Sekhar and Siva, will perform as part of the 'Kutty Kutchery festival' on December 15. They play ancient instruments like the yazh, kudamuzha, and thudumbu. Their performance, 'Thol,' is based on the ancient text Tholkappiyam. Having no references for playing these instruments, the band reinvented the soundscape in a contemporary style.
In a similar vein of innovation, musician Ganesh Kumar's quest to find an alternative to monitor lizard skin for the kanjira drum led to a synthetic version. Now popular in Europe and the US, he hopes Carnatic musicians in India will eventually adopt this cruelty-free instrument.
From silent symphonies to epic tales and youthful energy, Chennai's Margazhi season 2024 is poised to be a celebration of art in all its diverse and evolving forms.
