Sumi's Musings

As most of you will be aware, Kamban Kazhagam Australia promotes the development of the three components of Tamil language in the form of Literature in prose and verse, Music and Theatricals. Following the successful musical concert (‘Isai Velvi 2008’) by, ‘Kalaimamani’ Nithyasree Mahadevan, we now present another enchanting musical...
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Those who intellectualise Music help bind it in its purity, those who feel Music find their Own Style.. Thyagaraja Aradhanai In Sydney is usually a battle between these two views Old and Young.. read more here It is an event that brings out the best efforts by the organizers and a healthy participation by ...
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The debut performance of Iyankaran under the watchful eyes of Guru Yogesh Samsi and Pandit Ramchandra Suman had all the hall marks of a success story that is derived only with thorough dedication and interest. Iyankaran maintained the interests of his audiences through out an evening that weaved magic. Showing great potential and some...
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Kalamandalam artists perform at Womadelaide Festival Kathakali in the west has been popularized due to the work of the Kalamandalam which is the only prestigious institution of today where this art is fostered and taught in India” says Tara Rajkumar, Mohiniattam and Kathakali dancer and the director of Natyasudha School of Dance in Melbourne. “I...
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The start of the year 2010 can only continue looking forward, moving my mind’s view from the old dusty archives of musical geniuses such as Semmungudi, Alathur Bros, Bade Ghulam Ali and Amir Khan,  to what lies in the present with a potential to flourish and blossom in the future, I had a bit...
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Bombay Jayashri presents her views on whether a good voice is necessary for a singer of Carnatic Music. Early popularity for youngsters, years of learning, the importance of having a wonderful voice, development of musical creativity and her favourites. Dont miss Bombay Jayashri’s unique performance in...
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Sydhwaney deeply bemournes the sad demise of Veena Vidwan Venkataraman and his daughter in a car accident on 5 January 2010. Sydney siders were fortunate to listen and move with the great vidwan during his last visit at the Sydney Festival held in Sydney last year. His students Ramnath and Gopinath in Melbourne are...
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For those of you, who have limited exposure to Odissi, it is a beautiful dance form that has sculptural quality. It is uniquely graceful. The poses freeze after rounded motions. Its serene beauty casts a spell on many. Sonal Mansingh, the Legend in Odissi, in fact started learning Bharatanatyam and then after her arangetram, moved...
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MA3KA – Majestic Theatre of Dance Clad in gorgeous Green costume, Anita Ratnam depicts Meenakshi as a warrior woman who transforms into a woman in love with Sundareswarar. Ratnam’s latest production MA3KA stood out amongst various programmes and events I attended this December Season in Chennai. Ma3ka a celebration of women gives human faces to...
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Nikhil Bannerjee played the Sitar and Ali Akbar Khan the sarod. They were both students of Allauddin Khan Saheb, a musical genius who could play many indian instruments. Baba Allauddin Khan as he was called fondly was the initiator of the Maihar Gharana  the name of his style of music that he played as a court musician in the court of the King...
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