The vibrant city of Bengaluru recently witnessed a heartwarming spectacle as the Srishti Special Academy’s children mesmerized audiences with a performance that transcended the usual boundaries of conventional concerts. Under the able direction of the versatile MD Pallavi, Sunny Symphony became the highlight of the inaugural Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival, offering a glimpse into what music can achieve when it celebrates inclusivity and creative freedom.
The Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival, thoughtfully curated by renowned musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, opened with this extraordinary concert, setting an unwavering tone of inclusiveness for the entire event. MD Pallavi, also the host for the show, effortlessly bridged the gap between performers and the audience with her innate warmth and charm. Her genuine embrace of the children performing on stage and those seated in the audience added a distinctive layer of connection and empathy that permeated throughout the event.
Sunny Symphony was more than just a concert; it was a brilliant showcase of how music becomes profoundly evocative when performers are granted the freedom to form their own intimate connection with each song. Instead of focusing on the final outcome of polished performances, the festival programmers chose to spotlight the unique musical journeys undertaken by these young artists. This approach allowed the children to infuse their energy and emotions into the music, transforming each piece into a personal narrative.
The credit for the concert’s success, according to Gayathri Krishna, founder, and managing trustee of Bhoomija Trust, goes in large part to Pallavi’s intuitive approach. Her collaboration with singers Prathima Bhat and Meghana Bhat was instrumental in preparing the children. Over a period of eight weeks, these dedicated professionals worked with the students at the Srishti campus located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. As Gayathri recalls, the previous year’s festival had commenced with Pallavi singing for Srishti’s children, eliciting sheer joy and inspiration among them. This year, the tables were turned as the children themselves took the stage, a thoughtful decision that aligned with the Academy’s aims of promoting inclusivity.
The concert’s repertoire included an array of songs penned by popular composers and poets, chosen specifically for the sense of curiosity and wonder they were likely to evoke among the young performers.
. Pallavi ensured that the selections were relatable and simple enough for the children to grasp and interpret. The result was a uniquely captivating experience, as the children pronounced each lyric with clarity and emotion, weaving their innocent yet profound connections into the audience’s hearts.
Despite not being formally trained to work with children with special needs, Pallavi navigated the challenges with remarkable insight and adaptability. She treated the group like any other class of children, recognizing their universal receptiveness. “We realized that they were as eager to learn as any other group. Their natural energetic highs and lows required us to remain flexible,” she reflected.
The children’s assurance in their performance was further credited to Meghana and Prathima, who diligently met with them three times a week for practice sessions. During the performance, supported by musicians Krishna Udupa on keyboards and Sumukha on percussions, the children sang both solo and in small groups. The final song, delivered by a larger ensemble, was testimony to their joy and enthusiasm for collaborative expression.
Festival curator Shubha Mudgal expressed her delight in seeing the transformative role reversal, where last year’s audience transitioned to become this year’s performers. She remarked on the indelible impact of inclusivity within the realm of Indian music, noting the pressing need for more significant efforts. “There may not be any straightforward solutions, but individual mindfulness and even the smallest actions can make a big difference,” she asserted.
The Sunny Symphony stands as a luminous testament to the power of music to connect, elevate, and transform. In fostering an inclusive space for expression, Bhoomija’s Jackfruit Festival has not only captivated audiences but also underscored the profound potential of music to unite people across all walks of life.
