Music Academy concerts kick-start

82nd Annual conference and concerts at Music Academy

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The much awaited Music academy festival was inaugurated by the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari in a glittering function well attended by a galaxy of persons from all walks of life. A veritable who's who of Carnatic music world converged at the inaugural function of the 82nd annual conference and concerts at Music Academy in the city.

Music Academy concerts kick-start

After a captivating prayer song Nadha Thanumanisam by the students of the Academy, N Murali, President of the academy and Managing director of The Hindu delivered the welcome address. The dignitaries on the dais included the Governor of Tamil Nadu Surjit Singh Barnala, Thangam Thennarasu minister of education Tamil Nadu , Sangita Kalanidhi elect AKC Natarajan, clarinet maestro Vellore Ramabhadran and Sangita Kalanidhi R Vedavalli.

N Murali extolled the virtues of Hamid Ansari and his connections with the Academy. Ansari's uncle inaugurated the conference some decades back now Hamid Ansari is following his foot steps.

Murali also announced the Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi award this year which is being given to A K C Natarajan who belongs to a family of musician and exponents of wind instruments. Murali pointed out the activities of the academy and the improved infrastructure of the auditorium. The prestigious award instituted by the The Hindu carries an award money of Rs 1 lakh and a shield.

Hamid Ansari called Chennai as the cultural pole star of the country as it nurtures and patronizes fine arts. He felt that as yoga is for the body, mathematics for the mind music is for the soul.

A KC Natarajan in his acceptance speech thanked the committee for honoring him and and dedicated it to his gurus. He nostalgically traced his musical odyssey and his association with the academy.

Surjit Singh Barnala spoke about mega music mela of Chennai during Marghazi which is unique and distinct in the world, and lauded the efforts of the academy in organizing the cultural events.

The other awardees are Mavelikkara Velu kutty Nair and Sarada Hoffman - Sangita kala acharya , Annavarapu Ramaswamy and Palai Ramachnadran -TTK award, S A K Durga musicologist award.

Mira
Dec 16th 2008