Beyond Boundaries
Simon Thacker’s Svara-Kanti
Indo-Western
Musicians
Simon Thacker (guitar), Japjit Kaur (voice), Justyna Jablonska (cello), Sarvar Sabri (tabla) and guest artiste: Raju Das Baul (voice/khamak).
Simon Thacker’s Svara-Kanti, created in 2011, creates new sounds and genres by extending the traditions of Indian and Western music. It’s debut album Rakshasa, released last year, was recognised as one the most important intercultural releases. It was played on many world, classical, jazz and Indian radio programmes, and was part of several ‘Best Album of the Year’ lists.
The quartet’s musical language is inspired by different traditions — from Flamenco and the Blues to Dhrupad and Jimi Hendrix. Simon Thacker has also been inspired by Punjabi and Bhojpuri folk music. In the Fest, he collaborates with Raju Das Baul, one of the foremost young exponents of Baul music.
The group rejects the idea of simple fusion. Instead, it uses different traditions to create something new. The rendition will feature classical guitar and cello, instruments that aren’t common in India but which are capable of rhythmic ferocity. Japjit will bring her artistry to folk and classical-based songs in many languages. Sarvar and Simon have been performing together for many years and developed a close understanding. Raju Das Baul will sing Baul songs and play the Khamak, an ancient instrument from Eastern India.
The performance is being staged with the support of Creative Scotland.
Classic Choral
Indian National Orchestra
New Indian Classical
90 minutes
Musicians
Jayanthi Kumaresh and Ambarish Amaravadi (veena), Rafique Khan and Shafique Khan (sitar), Ravindra Katoti (harmonium), Abhishek Raghuram and Bharath Sundar (vocals), Prasanna Pattanaik Bhutto and Amit Nadig (flute), Charulata Ramanujam and Vaibhav Ramani (violin) Arun Kumar (percussion), Neyveli Narayanan and Anantha R Krishnan (mridangam), Udayraj Karpur (tabla), Trichy Krishna (ghatam), Guruprasanna (kanjira) and Girishh Gopalakrishnan (keyboard).
Indian National Orchestra (INO) is a syndicate formed by Jayanthi Kumaresh with 20 musicians from across India, representing the Carnatic and Hindustani genres. The pieces to be played have been specifically conceived of and composed for the orchestra, and highlight various facets of India. There is a piece about River Ganga in Raga Gangeshwari, about the Himalayas in Raga Bhinna Lalit, and about a dancing peacock in Raga Reetigowla.
INO had its first concert in Chennai in June 2011. It has since played across India. Says Jayanthi: “People always wonder how INO is an ensemble that works with classical music but without taking up kritis. The challenge for us is always about striking a balance between genres and giving a contemporary feel to classical ragas — a 2014 feel.”
Music Mojo
Thaikkudam Bridge
Desi Indie
120 minutes
Musicians
Govind P Menon (violin/vocals), Anish TN (drums), Asok Nelson (rhythm guitars), Ruthin Thej (keyboards), Vian Fernandez (bass guitar), Mithun Raju (lead guitar); Peethambaran Menon, Siddharth Menon, Piyush Kapoor, Vipin Lal CK, Chirstin Jos, Anish Krishnan, Krishna Bongane and Nila Madhab Mohapatra (vocals)
Thaikkudam Bridge represents the vibrant face of the Indie music scene in the country. It weaves musical traditions from across the world.
The multi-genre music band, consisting of 14 members from across the country, will perform reggae, film music, rock, Hindustani and pop music at the concert.
The band consists of film music composers, sound engineers, reality show singers and musicians from established bands such as Mother Jane. Siddharth Menon, main vocalist and student of A.R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory, is known for his voice that melts hearts.
Initially, the band garnered attention by crooning golden melodies of Malayalam and Tamil films on a music show on Kappa TV. Melding Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam film songs with the pulsating riffs of electric guitars, drums and the violin, they breathe new life into these fond songs. Their original compositions are also popular — Fish Rock is almost an anthem in Kerala.
Govind Menon, band founder, says: “We try to capture the emotional core of a song and try to enhance its mood.”
The band is known for its infectious energy, and video recordings of its concerts have gone viral. Says Mithun: “We are mellow on TV but full of life on stage.”
TICKETS
Time : 7.30 p.m .
Venue : PSG College of Arts and Science auditorium, Avanashi Road
Tickets are priced at Rs. 400, Rs. 250 and Rs. 150. Season passes cost Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 650
Tickets can be purchased online from >http://thne.ws/novfest-tkts
Helpline: 78451-95174
SPONSORS
Title Sponsor: Bose
Associate Sponsor: Nippon Paint, Ibaco
Event Manager: Show Space
