Forum dedicated to fine arts
LAKSHMI DEVNATH
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Journal, library, teachers' college — the service of Music Academy, the much coveted platform, has many layers.
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PREMIERE INSTITUTION: The Music Academy has been nurturing dance and music for over seven decades.
The latter half of the 19th century saw the scene of musical activity decisively shift from the Thanjavur area to Madras for the metropolis, under the British, was fast becoming the hub of all endeavours — political, economic and cultural. But, this time around, the venues of performances were not royal courts but sabhas and the patrons, the public.
As early as in 1883, the Madras Jubilee Gayan Samaj was formed. It soon sank into oblivion but not before making an impression. On January 7, 1926, an increasing numbers of aficionados and connoisseurs of Carnatic music convened a meeting at Soundarya Mahal, Madras, and passed a resolution that suggested the formation of a "South Indian Academy of Music." An apt forum for its implementation came in the form of the Indian National Congress session at Madras. It included an All-India Music Conference, the first of its type in South India. It was inaugurated on December 24, 1927.
Scholars
The organising committee, headed by Dr. U. Rama Rau, shone with scholars like P. Sambamoorthy and E. Krishna Iyer. Besides performances by ace artistes, discussions on music took place and an exhibition of musical instruments was held as also of music books and manuscripts. It was a gala eight-day festival, held at a Music Pavilion within the Congress Nagar (Spurtank Road) and the Museum theatre. Sections devoted exclusively to South Indian North Indian music, musicology, the conference had them all.
The public lapped it all up and clamoured for more. The finale saw a number of resolutions being passed. The first read, "That an Academy of Music be started at Madras... " The Music Academy was registered in 1928. Its goals and activities as enumerated included, "... to encourage the study, teaching, research and development of the art and science of music and other fine arts... " With every passing year, the Academy expanded its scale of operations to include a `Journal,' Teachers College of Music and so on. A galaxy of scholars and the highly talented were its office-bearers. Over a period of time, it acquired its own premises. Performances at the Academy provided a treat for the ears, the conferences served as fodder for the intellect and the title "Sangita Kalanidhi" that it bestowed attained a stature on par with national awards.
In the early years of the 21st century, the Academy fell into troubled times leaving music lovers a worried lot. But, as the saying goes, "all is well that ends well." The elections conducted last month saw an overwhelming mandate in favour of the presidential candidate Mr. N. Murali and his team.
`Focus will be on preserving classicism'
The Joint Managing Director of The Hindu, Mr. Murali, is a staunch rasika of the classical arts. In his new role, he brings with him the expertise of successfully managing a huge company. The new President expresses his views on various issues connected with the institution.
As one connected with a leading national newspaper public expectations from you are very high. Can you give us some glimpses of your plans for the Music Academy?
It is barely a few weeks since I have assumed office and too early in the day for me to have formulated concrete plans. The December festival is not far off and my immediate focus is on the successful management of the conference. But, to answer your question, my concentration would be on preserving the classicism of our music, encouraging innovations and experimentations while being scrupulous about not diluting the art and on creating an awareness of classical music and dance amongst the youth. But before concretising specific steps, I will take the advice of my colleagues, many of whom are experts in the field.
By its very definition and objectives, the Academy is different from other institutions of its genre. Do you, at any point in time, envisage its festivals being conducted on par with other international music festivals? Also, what do you feel about conducting exclusive festivals on other music systems?
The Music Academy has an undeniable status in the world music scenario. As I said earlier, my immediate focus is on Carnatic music. I, along with my colleagues, would like to fulfil the objectives for which the Academy was formed. Besides staging quality programmes, we would like to bring the Journal back to its former glory, revamp the library, encourage research projects, and then turn our attention to expansion programmes.
The infrastructure facilities such as acoustics and other related areas, are satisfactory, but have scope for improvement. Dwindling attendance at classical art programmes is cause for much concern. We have to seriously analyse the reasons and see what we can do to revive interest in our fine arts. Fresh ideas are welcome but proper implementation requires much foresight and planning.
Apart from your committee members, do you propose to involve other experts in your various projects?
I can unequivocally say that I am an advocate of democracy in all matters. My team members will most certainly be a part of decision making in all matters. If necessary, subject to rules and regulations, we could think of having an outside advisory committee composed of experts in various fields.
But, primarily, I would like to frequently meet the members of the Academy and take their opinions and suggestions. I can assure you that there will be total transparency in all areas of operation.
Can you tell us something about the association of The Hindu and its family members with the Academy?
The Hindu, through its pages, has always encouraged classical music and dance. As for its family members, the late Kasturi Srinivasan, former-editor, was one of the persons instrumental in getting the land for the Academy. It is as recognition of his contribution that the mini hall has been named after him.
The late G. Narasimhan, my father, till his death in 1977, served the Academy in various capacities. He was totally devoted to the cause of Carnatic music and to the objectives of the Academy. In fact, after his demise, we donated his large collection of music tapes to the Academy archives. I myself have been a trustee for the past few years and have now been elected President.
On a concluding note, there is a section of the public that feels that candidates contest for limited terms for the presidential post. Your stand on this?
I think it is a healthy practice. But let me speak for myself. I certainly do not intend to continue as President for many terms in succession. At the same time, frequent changes are not desirable in the interest of the organisation. One needs a minimum time frame for effective and successful implementation of ideas.
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