The curtains are set to rise once again on a remarkable collaborative performance piece – ‘Friends in Concert’, a symphony of thirteen esteemed Carnatic musicians. This distinctive presentation, initially broadcasted in its digital avatar amidst the lockdown of 2020, will grace the stage in a new live avatar on January 19 at the revered Music Academy. The creative mind orchestrating this ensemble is none other than T.M. Krishna, a veteran and innovator in the field of Indian classical music. Krishna speaks of the genesis of this initiative with passion, citing the solitary musical clips shared by artists during the pandemic and expressing a longing for the shared joy of music-making. This concert is an ode to the years of camaraderie that go unnoticed behind the limelight – a bond often as deep as the music itself.
The production is brought to life under the artful direction of Rithvik Raja, with MT Aditya Srinivasan’s masterful sound engineering. A constellation of Carnatic music luminaries, including Akkarai S Subhalakshmi, Anirudh Athreya, Arun Prakash, H.N. Bhaskar, Chandrasekara Sharma G, Guruprasad N, Hemalatha R, T.M. Krishna himself, Poongulam Subramanian, Praveen Sparsh, Sangeetha Sivakumar, R.K. Shriramkumar, and B. Sivaraman, blend their talents in this showcase. Representing various generations and schools of music, they’ve each left their own indelible mark on the vast tapestry of Carnatic traditions.
Audiences will be treated to a spectacle of permutations and combinations through the performances – with solos, duets, and all thirteen sharing the stage, and a particular spotlight on Krishna’s vocal dexterity. When discussing the visceral quality of a live performance, Krishna anticipates “interactive magical moments,” unique to the exchange of energy between the performers and the live audience – a contrast that was so elusive in the digital sphere.
Special arrangements have been made to ensure that the concert is visually and acoustically stunning. The repertoire for the evening includes Carnatic classics, redefined in new avatars, as well as compositions created exclusively for this concert. A nod to the previous digital production will add a flavor of nostalgia, interwoven with fresh renditions that promise to captivate and enthrall.
One of the extraordinary aspects of this concert is the rare amalgamation of artists adept at the same instrument but hailing from varied patantarams, or schools of learning. Featuring four violinists and four mridangists, the program showcases a rich diversity of styles and schools. Akkarai Subhalakshmi uncovers the fascination lying within the distinct ‘dialects’ of their shared musical language, embracing the diversity while reflecting on the unity of the Carnatic system.
The concert will not only exhibit mastery but also present the artists in light-hearted and unexpected roles, providing a glimpse into their versatility. Arun Prakash, renowned as a mridangist, will also shine as a composer, having created three pallavis for the digital version. The audience can expect an evening filled with warmth and joviality, as these maestros step outside their conventional roles.
For Krishna, ‘Friends in Concert’ is more than just a performance; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of music. In an age where the performing arts often feel competitive, this event celebrates the ethos of sharing and mutual respect amongst the artists. Krishna notes the challenge in organizing such an ambitious project – coordinating rehearsals and bringing together strong, passionate personalities – but the effort has been worth the extraordinary result.
Looking ahead, Krishna hopes to perform with other such assemblies, possibly involving his own students from multiple generations. He wonders aloud if this could herald a new era of fellowship in the performing arts, potentially inspiring others to emulate such inclusive and collaborative events.
As the community of Carnatic enthusiasts awaits this unique concert, ‘Friends in Concert’ stands as a potential beacon, illuminating a path towards greater unity and sharing in the world of music. It is a musical dialogue, an invitation to experience the harmony that can only unfold when friendships are struck through the shared language of melody.
