What’s On

Sahitya Sandhya

4 September, 7.30 to 10.30pm at Kew Library , Corner of Cotham Road and Civic Dr. Kew 3101, Melway ref 45 D6. Literary evening of poetry, short stories, jokes and personal experiences. Free entry with refreshments. For further information contact Harihar Jha 95554924; Subhash Sharma 0433178377 or Nalin Sharda 0402 108 512 http://sahityasangam.weebly.com/

Inaugural festival of Indian classical music

10 September, 8pmm onwards at Studio 1, Northcote Town Hall, High St. Fresh, captivating.

Laya Vidhya Centre’s annual concert was held at the Chandler Community Centre recently and it was a celebration and feast of mrudangam and percussion in all its forms. The students – at different stages of learning – performed with a range of Melbourne’s vocalists and instrumentalists, displaying their ability to handle a variety of talas and tempos. As always, the most interesting and captivating item was the percussion ensemble where more than 20 mrdangists performed in unison, climaxing in the crescendo that had everyone in their thrall.

A rather different kind of concert was presented by the brother and sister duo Samrakshana and Keshav Ramachandran, also at the Chandler Community Centre. They are the very young students of the well known Melbourne Carnatic music aficionado Prof G Narasimhan. The children (for that is what they are) are so precocious in this classical music form that it must have prompted their teacher to showcase their talents for all to see.

The concert included quite a few of Prof GN’s own compositions besides those of Thyagaraja, Swati Tirunal and Purandaradasa. Prof GN could not have chosen a better medium through which to demonstrate his musical abilities, for the children rendered several of their guru’s kritis with a deep feeling (bhava) for their lyrics. Prof GN himself spoke on the subject of Symbolism in Hinduism and Musical Overture, and released his Memoirs on the occasion. The performers must be commended on such a wonderful achievement at such a tender age. Hearing them sing was proof that music is truly a God-given gift; something that is to be cherished. Mrudangam accompaniment was provided by Bevan Elankumaran and violin was by Anita Das.

Chitra Sudarshan

exciting interpretations of North and South Indian classical music with Tihai3 and Shobha Sekhar. For information call Girish 0411 018 209 or 9417 3550

Saaz Aur Aawaz

11 September, 8-11pm at Mount Street Neighborhood house, 6 Mount Street , Glen Waverly, Mel Ref: 71 D2. Enter from Panoramic Gv park. Light Indian music program presented by local artists. Free entry. Contact Satish Dutta on 0418179122 for more details

Sangam Kala Group Australia (SKGA) Inc. is an independent, non-profit incorporated association affiliated to the Sangam Kala Group, India which has been providing a platform to talented performers for the past 33 years. The SKG has showcased some rather notable artistes such as Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Penaz Masani, Shreya Ghoshal, Jaspinder Narula, Vipin Aneja among others. To further their pursuit of musical excellence and to bring new talent to the fore, the president of SKGA organised a singing talent search on August 8 in Ashburton. The event attracted around sixty extremely talented participants.

Vice president of the Telegu Association, Trinath Ponnaganti, Secretary Anu Munuganti and member Ravi Kumar Rajgopal were present to begin the ceremony. Anu Munuganti congratulated the SKGA, now running in its fifth consecutive year and also offered words of encouragement to the participants. She also appreciated Surtarag’s efforts in enhancing India’s language and culture by offering an opportunity to singers to be recognized and to display their talent in the limelight. Mr. Trinath Ponnaganti added that the event provided an excellent forum in bringing various communities together through celebrating musical talent.

As this was a contest of vocal prowess, Mr. Nawal Modugil, President of Surtarang Australia said that the final decision of the contest would be made by Surtarang, India after careful judgement. The group recognizes that young music talent is like an “uncut gem” that needs extensive “polishing” in the form of opportunity, training and recognition to display its true brilliance. The objective of SKGA is to sustain and promote Indian music, dance, drama and related cultural activities including Bollywood entertainment to people of all origin in the cultural melting pot that is Australia.

The Sangam Kala Group in India began its musical journey in 1974, with the prime objective of bringing forth amateur talent from the masses and promoting the richness of India’s arts and cultural heritage. The growing popularity of fusion music, both vocal and instrumental, are indicative that multiculturalism and globalization are influencing tastes and creativity in music worldwide. SKGA hopes to provide a suitable platform for those individuals who love to experiment with music and who want to explore new horizons across international boundaries. The team at SKGA consists of like-minded individuals who are keen on promoting India’s artistic and cultural traditions in Australia. Through its 18 regional chapters within Australia, SKGA aims

Taste of India 2010

12 September, 4.30pm onwards. A multicultural arts ensemble, standing testimony to the ‘unity in diversity’ of migrants and the local population. Flavours from India, Greece, China, Egypt and Turkey. For tickets call Ganga 0421903 357, 84708280

Samarpan Meditation

15-22 September, 6pm- 8pm (16th Sept: 2.30pm-4.30pm) at Shri Shirdi Sai Sansthan, 32 Halley Avenue, Camberwell, Melbourne VIC 3124. Free course to experience the spiritual benefits of Samarpan

Meditation, followed by bhojan Prasad. All are welcome. Please reserve places now. Contact: Rashmi Kapoor 98081332; Amit Vekariya 0430200609; Namrata Mistri 0433695971; Mr Uddyan Sharma 0413499563

Mehfil Night

17 September, 8-10pm at Coburg Library Hall, Cnr: Luisa and Victoria Street, Coburg. Dr.Sraddha Reddy will present nostalgic ghazals, with tabla support by Gogi. Free entry. For more details call Dr. Saratchandran 93665444