A Rhythmic Merger

It is that time of the year again when the whole city and many foreign visitors congregate to pay homage to music of various genres and forms. Famously known as the December Music Festival of Chennai, this is part of our city’s tradition and culture.

As the second last month comes to an end, the November Fest of 2009, which is the curtain raiser for the much bigger cultural event next month, has already wrapped up after an impressive showing. With every performance attracting a full house audience, this festival is here to stay. Started by the Friday Review of The Hindu group of newspapers, this is the fifth edition of the festival which is already a huge sensation among music lovers – local and foreign.

This year saw an amalgamation of four foreign artists and two Indian artists, who between them performed six different kinds of music from all over the world in six days. Each one is a maestro, well known and acknowledged worldwide.

Abida Parveen started the Fest with a celebrated and mystical performance on November 17. Quoting messages of many Muslim saints, including Prophet Muhammad, in her lyrics, her artistry was very plain for everyone to see. The highlight of the evening was the Punjabi song ‘Main Har Dam Rab Rab Kardi’. Her fluent and harmonious composition was honored with two well deserved standing ovations.

Paying homage to Sufi music - Abida Parveen
http://ishare.rediff.com/video/others/live-the-incomparible-abida-parveen/888734

She was followed by Pandit Channulal Mishra, who engrossed the audience with his stylishly-crafted music of the Kirana Gharana. A traditionalist in performance, his style was well received by the crowd with ‘Wah! Wah!’s throughout, for they could unmistakably feel his rapport with the audience.

Engaging in the traditional way - Pandit Channulal Mishra

The next performance was by the Australia based James Ryan Quartet, famed for their technique, precision and ideas. Comprising of James Ryan on the saxophone and flute, Scott Tinkler on the trumpet, Steve Hunter on the electric bass, and Ken Edie on the drums, they left the audience awe-struck by the end of the performance.

Quartet anyone?  - James Ryan

November 20 saw the ‘jugalbhandi’ of two classical musicians – O.S. Arun and Sanjay Abhyankar. Although the required heights and pitches were not reached, the combination of a Hindustani singer and a Carnatic vocalist to perform the celebrated Surdas’ compositions itself leaves one wanting for more. ‘Sur Sagar’, an extraordinary work of poetry, was ventured with varying emotions, situations and tempos to create a flawless recital.

A tribute to 'Sur Sagar' - O.S.Arun and Sanjay Abhyankar 

‘Gong Myoung’, a young band, came to join the celebrations the next day. A group of four friends sharing an amazing bond, both on and off stage, were able to extend this rapport with the audience too. Performing for the first time in Chennai, they had the crowd dancing and singing to their tunes very soon. Interspersing traditional Korean melodies with perky sounds, they performed using traditional instruments to provide messages of joyous mirth.

Playing it the Korean way...- Gong Myoung

The Fest ended with a rousing finale by the 40 year old rock band from Africa, Osibisa, who have returned to Chennai after three decades. Attired in clothes as vibrant and eclectic as their music, they enchanted a fervent audience with their musical tempo. Though their recent numbers, which were reserved for the end, weren’t as captivating as the earlier songs, the crowd thoroughly enjoyed their performance. What more could be the proof of such enjoyment, than the fact that the crowd kept asking for encores after almost every song.

Creating the African rock magic again- Osibisa

A blend of traditional Kirana Gharana and exceptional Sufiana with a pinch of Australian technique and a concoction of classical Sur Sagar intermingled with a smidgen of youthful ‘Gong Myoung’ brewed perfectly with the rocking and involving Osibisa created the ideal formula to stand true to the concept behind the Fest; leaving the Chennai crowd wanting for more to be served on their platter. Truly a huge affair, the November Fest 2009 has helped the Chennai crowd to get into the mood of celebration of music, to end the year on a melodious note.
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/18/stories/2009111850240100.htm
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/19/stories/2009111951500500.htm
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http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/11/20/stories/2009112051070500.htm
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/25/stories/2009112550270100.htm