MY FESTIVAL - KADRI GOPALNATH
It's like being part of a big family function
My first Margazhi experience: As an outsider, I was completely awestruck by the magnificent celebrations of classical arts. I thought it was unparalleled. It took some time for the spectacle to sink in.
I was based in Mangalore and would make frequent trips to Madras to train under T.V.Gopalakrishnan. And a visit during December was a must. For almost a month, each day began and ended in a sabha. There were stalwarts galore, whose concerts were like open books on Carnatic music. The best opportunity for a learner to understand and assimilate the nuances. Most kutcheris would have a big audience silently enjoying every swaram and talam.
In the 1970s, with encouragement from TVG, this ardent rasika turned a performer (and shifted base to Madras). It was absolutely thrilling to be on the other side of the fence. Margazhi gained a new meaning in my life.
It was a challenge to do full-fledged saxophone kutcheris. More challenging was to keep the rasikas hooked to its unique sound. Thankfully, I found acceptance.
I particularly remember one of my recitals at the Mylapore Fine Arts. Balamuralikrishna was to perform next but he told me not to stop. I performed for an extra 30 minutes. At the end of it, he came up to me and said, ``Do come to Tiruvaiyaru."
I have enjoyed every moment of my playing, especially during the season. It's like being part of a mega family function. Look around, you will see people brightly attired and happy. Before every season, I generally go in for new silk dhotis and kurtas. Relaxed mind, melody and nice clothes - it's a healthy combination.
More than all this, the Margazhi mahotsavam is a meeting place for artistes and art-lovers from around the world. Friendships are made and ideas are exchanged.
With each passing year we are also learning to look at classical arts from different time and culture zones.
The concert duration has shrunk, audience expectations are changing and the celebration is getting bigger and bigger.
I feel happy thinking about the day when I first picked up the saxophone after seeing it at the Mysore palace. And I consider it my bhagyam if my music can create atmasantosham in rasikas.
(As told to Chitra Swaminathan)
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