Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Music season

This refers to the article “A peep into the economics of the Chennai music and dance Season” (Dec. 23), which calls for introspection and remedial measures. Barring very few academies and institutions, we find that there is a lack of professionalism and excellence in event management skills. Event managers have a conditioned mindset and give priority to self aggrandisement, relegating the noble cause of serving music and dance to the background. Artists are after opportunities to perform even if it means compromise, humiliation, loss of dignity and self-esteem.

There is a well-entrenched freebie culture as far as classical music and dance is concerned. Many rasikas identify taste and enjoyment with mass, not class. Sponsors are unwilling to fund classical music and dance as generously as they do western and film music. Institutions and sabhas do not support meritocracy over popularity and give opportunities only to a few prominent artists, leaving the rest to sulk.

Gurus should do more to strive for the development of their students' knowledge. Opinion-makers and influential persons should get rid of their prejudices. The media should overcome nil or conditioned coverage and allot more space and time slots for music and dance.

Sandhyavandanam Madhva Muni Rao,

Bangalore

While artists definitely deserve better treatment, as an organiser of music programmes in Coimbatore, my experience is different. When artists leave Chennai, their demands increase.

The sabhas outside Chennai often find it difficult to conduct the music and dance series. Senior artists command a high fee, with youngsters increasingly following suit. The sabhas are unable to ensure quality and a discerning audience.

T.V. Kalyanakrishnan,

Coimbatore

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