Musings from the annual pilgrimage to Marghazi Music Festival

COME RAIN OR SHINE OR EVEN FLOODS - CHENNAI MUSIC LOVERS AND THE SCORES OF MUSIC SABHAS HAVE STRIVED TO KEEP THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC ALIVE. DURING THE SEASON YOU CAN LITERALLY FEEL THE MUSIC IN THE AIR. DESPITE THE CHALLENGES - THE FESTIVAL IS HERE TO STAY AND THRIVE 

-  RAJESHWARI KALYANAM

 

It was the first time when I visited Chennai for the Music Festival. I was there promptly to attend the morning concert at the iconic Madras Music Academy – the spectacular auditorium where one of my favourite musicians, Neyvelli Santhanagopalan was performing. Listening to Neyvelli’s music steeped in classicism and Bhakti bhava, first thing in the morning and the grand setting of the Music Academy is the memory that will be cherished forever – a dream come true moment. It was also the day S Sowmya was performing. And, before witnessing another stellar concert, one had the chance of brushing shoulders with the Vidushimani, as she was walking in the corridor with her students. It was also the day I had tiffin and coffee at the famed Academy canteen. In short – ticked all the right boxes as a first-time visitor.

It was also the year when I witnessed first-hand the mass euphoria for super star Sanjay Subrahmanyan. Despite holding the entry pass, a quick detour to listen to Sudha Raghunathan at Narada Gana Sabha for the 4pm concert delayed my entry a bit. There was still time for the concert, but there was no place to sit in the auditorium. Heavy requesting was followed by a quick tip to try entering from the back, where a couple of rows of extra seating was added, an effort that wasn’t in vain. Sanjay Subrahmanyan was divine – if he enjoys super stardom in Carnatic music echelons – he deserves every bit of it and more.

THE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE