“It was just pointed out to me that this year, November Fest, coincidentally, begins on Rabindranath Tagore’s Nobel centenary,” said N. Ravi, editor-in-chief, The Hindu , in his address to a packed hall at Vivanta by Taj–Connemara.
“He not only gave us Gitanjali, but also thousands of songs on love, devotion and patriotism, with Rabindra Sangeet.” Mr. Ravi was speaking >at the launch of the ninth edition of The Hindu Friday Review November Fest.
“Over the years, the festival has emerged as a small but significant precursor to the huge and vibrant December music season. Rather than attempt to replicate what is showcased in December, the November Fest attempts to bring you diverse forms of music from different parts of India and the world. The fact that it has had an unbroken run since its inception in 2005 and continues to attract audiences and sponsorship is proof of its success,” he said.
Samrat Dutta, GM, Vivanta by Taj–Connemara, delivered the welcome address, while Karl Pechatsheck of Goethe Institut spoke of the importance of inclusivity in such music festivals. “If people won’t come to the culture, culture must go them,” he said highlighting the need for free music concerts that can be accessed by all sections of the society.
The event was formally launched with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku by danseuse Malavika Sarukkai, singers Ranjani and Gayathri, flautist Shashank and Carola Grey of ‘Noisy Mama’.
With notes that simmered with flavours as varied as Carnatic, Western jazz and rock, Noisy Mama’s music was an organic confluence of genres.
Besides Chennai, the fest is also held in Bangalore, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Kochi. The Chennai edition, this year, brings together prominent and promising artistes from India, Australia, Germany and elsewhere.
The six-day fest opens on Friday with a concert featuring veterans Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Birju Maharaj for Tridha, a fusion of flute and footwork. They will be joined by popular young vocalist Kaushiki Chakravarty.
The Schedule:
November 15 : Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia with Pt. Birju Maharaj & Kaushiki Chakrabarty
November 16 : Indian Ocean
November 17 : Vikku Vinayakaram, Vidya Shah & the Manganiyars
November 18 : Mandolin Rajesh, Jayateerth Mevundi, Rakesh Chourasia & Trichur Brothers
November 19 : Coco's Lunch
November 20 : Monsorate Brothers
Venue: Music Academy
Time: 7.30 p.m.
>For the detailed schedule of Nov Fest 2013 in all five cities, click here .
Tickets:
Price:>Rs. 600, Rs. 350 & Rs. 200. Season passes at Rs. 3,000 & Rs. 1,800
All tickets can be purchased online at >www.thehindu.com/frnf2013
Tickets will also be available at All Landmark Outlets: Apex Plaza, Nungambakkam, Spencers Plaza, Chennai Citi Center, Ampa Mall and at The Hindu Office
Helpline: +91 93806 64381
Reserved seats are available for Rs. 750 per seat. Those who wish to avail this facility must call 044-28575807.
Follow us:
Website >thehindu.com/novemberfest
Facebook at >Friday Review November Fest
Twitter >@FRNovfest
