Amidst the historical elegance of Paris, a harmonious tribute to South Indian classical music echoed through the walls of the Paris Town Hall. The Tyagaraja Aradhana, an enduring tradition from the heart of Chennai, India, was ingeniously enacted in the city of lights by the Indian Conservatory of Paris. The event, a cross-cultural symphony, saw a vibrant congregation dressed in the resplendent colors of traditional Indian attire, merging seamlessly into the cultural tapestry of Paris.
The proceedings commenced on a high note with the Geete performed by the young virtuosos of the Indian Conservatory of Paris, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and celebration. It was a morning that mirrored the resplendent gatherings of Chennai, and cultural barriers dissolved as the audience was absorbed in the musical revelry. The attendees included eminent personalities such as the Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, Jawed Ashraf, and Samia Badat Karam, the Deputy Mayor of Paris 16, who were thoroughly captivated by the event’s charm and the profound nature of Indian classical tunes.
The Indian Conservatory of Paris was envisioned and brought to life in 2015 by Bhavana Pradyumna and Pradyumna Kandadai. Their aim was to foster the spread of Indian classical music and arts in France. Since its inception, the conservatory has become a hub for artists’ collaboration and played a pivotal role in promoting the nuances of Carnatic music and Indian arts to a global audience.
This particular iteration of the Tyagaraja Aradhana festival in Paris shone brightly with two main attractions. Notably, S Sowmya, the Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu University for Music and Fine Arts, graced the event with her presence and performance. She was accompanied by illustrious musicians such as Embar Kannan on the violin and Neyveli Narayanan on the mridangam. Their repertoires included magnificent compositions by Purandara Dasa, Tyagaraja, and Dikshitar, with the enthralling ‘Jagadananda Karaka’ by Tyagaraja enveloping the hall in an ambiance of musical rapture.
One of the festival’s quintessential elements were the ‘Pancharatna Kritis’, a set of five eminent works by the saint composer Tyagaraja, revered across linguistic and geographical boundaries. Executed with grace by the students accompanied by S Sowmya and Bhavana Pradyumna, the performance resonated deeply across cultures, epitomizing the universal allure of Carnatic music.
A momentous occasion was marked when the Indian Conservatory of Paris and the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The pivotal agreement introduced diploma courses and certificates in Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and tabla, enhancing the conservatory’s academic repertoire and cementing educational ties between India and France.
During a conversation about the profoundness of the festival, Jawed Ashraf reflected on the shared cultural values between India and France, highlighting both nations’ dedication to nurturing and cherishing their heritage. He emphasized the event’s role in bringing the French community into the soulful world of Indian classical music.
Bhavana Pradyumna, President of the Indian Conservatory of Paris, shared her thoughts on the MoU’s significance. She expressed how this collaboration signified a breakthrough for India-France cultural relations, with the Indian Conservatory of Paris offering an invaluable platform for students seeking advanced levels in classical music and arts.
The Tyagaraja Aradhana of 2024 was more than a musical fête; it was a bridge built on notes and rhythm, linking the historic cultures of Chennai and Paris and celebrating a continuing story of cultural reciprocity through the timeless, universal language of music.
