Expressing solidarity with tens of thousands of flood victims, nine Sabhas in Chennai have decided to dedicate this year’s Margazhi Music Season to them.
While a couple of musicians have announced that they would not perform during this season, violinists Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and G.J.R. Vijayalakshmi said they would donate their remuneration from the concerts towards flood relief.
In a joint statement, The Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha, Tamil Isai Sangam, Brahma Gana Sabha, Kartik Fine Arts and Bhrathiya Vidya Bhavan and Carnatica appreciated the artistes who have been providing relief to fellow citizens despite their own difficulties.
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“It is our belief and hope that some individual organisations among us depending on their own circumstances and ability will be able to meaningfully contribute to relief and rehabilitation,” they said.
The sabhas thanked the artistes who had expressed their intention to donate a portion of their whole remuneration to relief funds.
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One of the office-bearers of an organisation said cancelling the programmes would not serve any purpose as many small artistes depended on the season for earning a livelihood. “Instead of cancelling the festival, we can contribute meaningfully to the cause,” he said.
A few sabhas have postponed their festival. Sri Krishna Gana Sabha general secretary Y. Prabhu said inauguration of arts and dance festival would be held on December 20 instead of December 11.
G.J.R. Krishnan said as artistes they had a commitment to the organisers, sponsors, co-artists and audiences from all over the world, he and his sister decided to donate their remuneration from all concerts during this music season, towards flood relief.
“This is the least we can do in this situation. The organisers in Chennai are wise, sensitive and empathetic to put their heads together and arrive at a fair decision in the circumstances,” he said.
Singers Ranjani and Gayathri also announced that the honorarium received from their season’s concerts would go towards relief work.
Explain the reason behind her decision to cancel her programmes, noted singer Bombay Jayashree on her Facebook page said Chennai, which had always supported art, was now battling the aftermath of torrential rains.
“With so many people homeless and struggling for basic needs, I feel it is not the time for festivals. I sincerely hope the resources and energies used to back the December festival are channelised to help Chennai get back to normality,” she said.
Not the moment to sing
Singer Vijay Siva said it was not the moment for happy singing. “I plan to resume on January 1, 2016. Well-wishers may help in informing the organisers concerned and accompanying artistes,” he said.
Noted dancer and president of Bharatakalanjali V.P. Dhananjayan said his institution would not be able to perform during this art festival season due to the current scenario at Chennai.
“This decision is concerned only with institutional programmes and not applicable to individual solo programmes of the Dhananjayans’ disciples. The Dhananjayans will not be participating or assisting individual disciples performing in your Sabha,” he said. Pianist Anil Srinivasan, directly involved in flood relief, recovered 19 bodies, but could not ascertain their identity.