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Critics have cried themselves hoarse on the excessive number of concerts and dance programmes that are conducted during the season. They bemoan a lack of variety but closer inspection reveals a number of interesting programmes that the music or dance lover could attend and enjoy.
First there are the very informative lecture demonstrations that happen at the various sabhas in the morning. Among these, the lectures of Dr Prameela Gurumurthy, Head of the Department Music, Madras University, on the subject of Harikatha, which is sadly a vanishing art, are most interesting. She speaks (and sings) on various aspects of Harikatha performances on December 21 (9 a.m.) at the Indian Fine Arts Society (German Hall, Prakasam Street) and on December 23 at the Mini Hall (9.30 a.m.), Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road.
The nagaswaram, once a very popular feature among temple processions and other celebrations, is slowly on the wane. A very good demonstration of the rakti melam or the presentation of pure Carnatic ragas as they were played on the nagaswaram will be demonstrated by Semponnarkoil S R D Vaidyanathan on December 24 at the Music Academy’s Mini Hall at 9.30 a.m.
When it comes to music concerts, one is faced with the problems of plenty with over 25 sabhas presenting a huge number of concerts.
 The programmes begin from 2 p.m. and go on till late at night. Today there is, however, a clear division between the afternoon and the evening slots, with the former being given to juniors trying to make a name. Such concerts offer the best opportunity for talent spotting.
Bagging the afternoon slot at Music Academy is in itself a matter of great pride and youngsters try to give their best here, for on the audience response depends selection chances for the next year.
Among those whose concerts will be worth listening are Ranjani and Gayatri, the duo who began life as violinists and are now making a mark as vocalists. They sing at the Music Academy December 25 at 2.30 p.m. In fact, December 25 is a day best devoted at the Academy, for, immediately after Ranjani and Gayatri’s concert, S Nithyasree Mahadevan performs at 4.45 p.m. followed by star attraction, T N Seshagopalan, at 7.30 p.m..
Seshagopalan is a multi-faceted star who plays the veena and the keyboard in addition to being a vocalist. He played on the veena at the Nungambakkam Cultural Academy on December 14 and will be playing at Narada Gana Sabha December 21 at 10 a.m. He performs on the keyboard at the Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha on December 25 at 9.30 a.m.
For those who value old world charm and atmosphere, the programmes at the Rasika Ranjani Sabha of Sundareswarar Swami Street, Mylapore, would be the best selection. This is the last year that this sabha will be functioning from the quaint old edifice. Early next year it is to be pulled down and a new auditorium complete with air-conditioning and the latest works is expected to come up in its place. It is, of course, needless to point out that the old hall never needed any air-conditioning for such was its ventilation.
 The Margazhi Utsav, sponsored by
Jaya TV, is yet another attraction. By the time this article comes up, its live programmes would be over. The Chettinad Vidyashram Auditorium where the concerts take place is one of the best in the city in terms of parking facility, seating comfort and acoustics.
The music season will not be complete without a round-up of the catering services offered at the various sabhas. For years now, Jayaraman of Gnanambika Catering at Narada Gana Sabha and his brother Arusuvai Natarajan at Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha have been great crowd-pullers. The former specialises in snacks and the latter in full-scale meals. So, even if music is not your cup of tea, simply sit in the canteen and enjoy the atmosphere that the season generates.
Sriram.V
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