Indika brochure 2015

24 to 31 July 2015 The Capstone Theatre

The Spirit of IndiaA celebration of Indian

classical music and dance

WELCOME!

We are delighted to be back at The Capstone Theatre for the 4th annual Indika Festival . Over the past few years, Indika has established itself as one of the most significant Festivals of Indian Classical Arts in Europe. It brings together brilliant, innovative artists who create entirely new concepts of collaboration and music making. Indika is also unique because it brings Indian Dance, Music and Education together, and presents at least four brand new European Premières. The festival features mesmerizing Morning Ragas, delightful Doodles in the Dark and inspirational daily lecture demonstrations on diverse subjects. It is a week full of joy, learning and friendship where arts work their magic in uniting hearts. Indika is not just another Indian Festival; it is The Festival of Indian Arts one must visit if one is to experience & create magical memories in Music and Dance. So come and join us for these terrific eight days - a very warm Indian welcome awaits you!

The Milapfest Team

Saturday 25 July / 10pmThursday 30 July / 10pm Friday 31 July / 10pm

Doodles in the Dark

Listen to Anil Srinivasan in a unique late night setting, with Doodles in the Dark. Based on his successful online performance series “Midnight Doodles”, Anil responds to the mood of the festival, atmosphere and environment with a set of three improvised sessions at The Cornerstone Building’s Grace Room. Featuring collaborators, themes and a few surprises on the way, join us for this special addition to the Indika Festival.

Indika Featured Artist

Anil Srinivasan is in residence this week as musical mentor to our two national ensembles, Samyo and Tarang. As a daring innovator, composer and outstanding performer, he is a one-of-a-kind musician and will be seen in various modes at this year’s Indika Festival. Hear Anil during early morning ragas, as well as during late night improvised sessions, and during a brand new production especially for Indika. You can also catch Anil online on Milapfest’s facebook, twitter and in the special Indika Podcast.

Friday 24 JulyPatri Satish Kumar Pandit Ranajit SenguptaKousic Sen

This event features a double bill performance of Indian classical music.

First half - Om

Patri Satish Kumar Mridangam

Carnatic percussion has a language and character of its own, and is best represented by the mridangam, the popular barrel-drum of South India. One of the best exponents of this, Patri Satish Kumar, presents a rare solo concert, demonstrating the journey of the mridangam, and explores its different styles, character and patterns, including the unique spoken language of South Indian, Konnakol.

Second half - Romantic Ragas

Pandit Ranajit Sengupta SarodKousic Sen TablaPatri Satish Kumar Mridangam

If you think you know what to expect from an Indian Classical music concert, think again; Ranajit Sengupta is a musician who might just change your perception. His electrifying energy, fingering technique and rhythm on the Sarod are unparallelled, and his concerts pull you in from the start, totally immersing you into his ragas and rhythm cycles.

Enjoy the unique interaction of melody and rhythm as Ranajit is joined on stage by two of the world’s best Indian percussionists, who both have a mastery of their instruments - on Tabla, by Kousic Sen, and Mridangam, by Patri Satish Kumar.

The Capstone Theatre7:30pm

Saturday 25 July

Mad & DivineFeaturing Rama VaidyanathanDakshina Vaidyanathan NattuvangamSudha Raghuraman Vocal Arun Kumar MridangamG Raghuraman Flute

An insight into the life and teachings of the 13th Century Saint Janabai and the 14th Century Saint Lalleswari or Lalded as she was fondly called. Both were female mystic poets who went through tremendous hardships before they were finally recognized for their spiritual awakenings. They crossed all barriers of social norms to fearlessly express their love for the supreme. Many real life incidents have had a profound effect on their lives.Janabai was a Vaishnavait (worshipping Lord Vishu) while Lalded was a Shaivaite (worshipping Lord Shiva). Janabai believed in the physical form of God while Lalded believed in the formless presence. Janabai took the path of devotion while Lalded took the path of tantra. They both appear to be different, but there is no denying that they were both Mad and Divine.

This is the British première of Mad & Divine and features a live orchestra.


Doodles in the Dark

Listen to Anil Srinivasan in a unique late night setting, featuring improvised musical nights on the piano.

The Great Hall, Cornerstone Building10pm(free admission)

Sunday 26 JulyMorning Raga FeaturingSawani Mudgal Anil Srinivasan

Sawani Mudgal Hindustani VocalAnil Srinivasan Piano

Our popular series of early morning concerts return with a beautiful concert featuring vocals and piano. Sawani Mudgal is a rising star of Hindustani music, with a beautiful voice that is equally suited to instrumental and dance performances. Sawani’s collaborator is Anil Srinivasan, who is a unique pianist known throughout the world for his expert and distinctive style of music.

Indika’s morning ragas give you the opportunity to experience a mood and range of compositions that you rarely hear in Indian Classical music concerts, and with a selection of improvised Bandish compositions, folk tunes and devotional songs, by a duet performing for the first time, this is a highlight of this year’s festival.

The Great Hall, Cornerstone Theatre8am - 8:50am

Sunday 26 JulySamyoThe National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music

Samyo returns to the North West with a fascinating showcase of Indian Orchestral Music which is modern, classical and packed with a rich repertoire of exotic melodies. The concert features a unique repertoire of original music that reflects the cultural identity of the talented young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra for Indian Music, and their artistic inspirations.

The orchestra features a choir of singers, an ensemble of percussionists, and talented instrumentalists from both the north and south Indian traditions. Samyo’s music is all specially created and composed for the orchestra, and includes inspirations from Indian devotional, folk, classical and popular music, as well as Samyo’s signature re-imaginations of Western Classical, Hollywood and Bollywood film scores.

Principal Conductor Gaurav MazumdarAssociate Conductor Girishh GopalakrishnanSpecial Guest Composer Dr Rajeeb ChakrabortyPercussion Conductor Kousic SenOrchestra Leader Raam Jeganathan


Monday 27 JulyYuva Sangeet Ratna AwardsYoung Musician of the Year

Following the Yuva Sangeet Ratna performances, a short film featuring the performance of a distinguished musician of India will be played while audiences await the results of the competition.


Milapfest presents the national annual performance competition to find the next ‘Young Musician and Dancer of the year’ for Indian classical arts.Taking place over two nights, The Yuva Nritya Ratna and Yuva Sangeet Ratna Awards see twelve highly talented contestants perform before a distinguished panel of world class artistes, with the winners of each award to be announced at the end of each evening.

Wednesday 29 JulyMorning Raga Featuring Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty& Kousic SenDr. Rajeeb Chakraborty SarodKousic Sen Tabla

In another chance to enjoy the serene and meditative sounds of Indian classical music in the morning, join us for a performance by expert Sarod player Rajeeb Chakraborty. Ideally suited to the morning raga series, Rajeeb Chakraborty’s music is melodious, rhythmical and innovative, as he combines his experience and skill as both performer and composer. In combination with long-term collaborator Kousic Sen, the master tabla player, they create a synergy on stage which is unique and memorable.

The Capstone Theatre8am - 8:50am

Tuesday 28 JulyYuva Nritya Ratna AwardsYoung Dancer of the Year

Following the Yuva Nritya Ratna performances, a short film featuring the performance

of a distinguished dancer of India will be played while audiences await the results of the competition.


Wednesday 29 JulyAnil Srinivasan Sheejith Krishna

This event features a double bill performance of Indian classical music and dance

First half - Touch

Anil Srinivasan PianoFeaturing Alberto Sanna Violin

In a new première performance designed especially for Indika, Touch is a 59 minute exploration of the piano through a tapestry of Indian sound, with a multimedia narrative. Explore the musical personality and performance style of Anil Sriinivasan, one of the world’s first innovators on the piano in Indian music; with a continuous musical trajectory capturing various moods, textures and collaborators. The concert features renowned Italian violinist Dr Alberto Sanna, a musicologist at Liverpool Hope University and expert in early modern Italian Music.

Second half - Sheejith Krishna

Sheejith Krishna Bharatanatyam

This is a rare opportunity to see one of India’s leading classical dancers in action. World renowned for his innovative choroegraphy within the classical context, Sheejith Krishna is considered one of the best interpreters of the ancient art form of Bharatanatyam. Sheejith is renowned for his unique ability to tell stories through his fresh and contemporary approach to dance and this evening sees him present some of his most loved choreographic works which take us through a colourful journey of emotions, stories and artistry. Sheejith brings to his dance a rare sense of devotion and dedication, which leaves the audience with a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Profound, enchanting, simply unmissable dance!


Thursday 30 JulySanjukta Sinha Dakshina Vaidyanathan

This event features a double bill performance of Indian classical dance

First half - Aamad - Contemporary Kathak expressions Featuring Sanjukta Sinha Kathak

For the first time outside of India, Sanjukta presents excerpts from her latest her latest production exploring various journeys in love, Angika, Aamad weaves the story of mystical love; the search for the one who will complete you. Using intricate footwork and intensely rhythmic patterns, Sanjukta brings to life the surging, soaring expectancy one feels when on the threshold of something new.

One of India’s leading Kathak artists of her generation, Sanjukta Sinha is known for her technical expertise and immense artistry. The Kathak form is beautifully represented through Sanjukta’s clean bodylines, subtle expresstion, robust footwork and choreographic finesse.

Second half - Dance of NatureFeaturing Dakshina Vaidyanathan Bharatanatyam

Rama Vaidyanathan NattuvangamSudha Raghuraman Vocal Arun Kumar MridangamG Raghuraman Flute

Dance is one of the most natural instincts of human beings. It is inspired by the rhythm of earth’s rotation and revolution, by the melody of chirping birds and by the sound of gushing water. Each movement can be identified with various elements of our natural surroundings.

This specially choreographed production uses the ancient art form of Bharatanatyam to explore the connections between dance and nature. It stretches the boundaries of this classical dance form to depict, understand and realize the importance of nature. This evening marks Dakshina’s premiere performance in Britain


Doodles in the Dark

Listen to Anil Srinivasan in a unique late night setting, featuring improvised musical nights on the piano.

The Grace Room, Cornerstone Theatre10pm (free admission)

Friday 31 JulyMadras String Quartet Prashant Shah

This event features a double bill performance of Indian classical music and dance.

First half Madras String Quartet

V.S.Narasimhan First ViolinMohan Rao Second ViolinSasikumar ViolaV.R.Sekar Cello

Madras String Quartet performs its first ever concert in Liverpool in a fascinating presentation of its groundbreaking style, which combines Southern Indian classical music with western harmonic principles. This pioneering ensemble, founded in 1993 in Chennai, performs the great compositions of Carnatic music in their purest form, but beautifully integrates Indian and Western Classical music.The founder and first violinist V.S. Narasimhan, had a strong grounding in Carnatic Music, and over time, explored new frontiers in chamber music performance. Second halfSarangi - Soul of Kathak Featuring Prashant Shah Kathak

Kathak dance is a tradition synonymous with its complex rhythmical footwork, spins and storytelling. Prashant displays energy, grace and power in equal abundance and uniquely, blends modern and traditional approaches in his expression. This promises to be an evening filled with innovative and thrilling expressions of Kathak.


Doodles in the Dark Listen to Anil Srinivasan in a unique late night setting, featuring improvised musical nights on the piano.

The Grace Room, Cornerstone Theatre10pm (free admission)

www.milapfest.com

Indian music Indian music and dance and dance classes in classes in LiverpoolLiverpoolDance Bharatanatyam . Kathak Bharatanatyam . Kathak Bharatanatyam . KathakDance Bharatanatyam . KathakDanceMusic Sitar . Tabla. Carnatic & Sitar . Tabla. Carnatic & Sitar . Tabla. Carnatic & Music Sitar . Tabla. Carnatic & Music

Hindustani Vocal. VioilnHindustani Vocal. VioilnFor registrations and further For registrations and further information please call 0151 291 3949 or email [email protected] [email protected]

In partnership with

SCHOOLARTS

MILAPFESTPresents

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aA stunning double cd featuring music from legendary masters to rising stars who have been a part of Milapfest’s 30 year history. Perfect as a

special collectors item for music connoisseurs or as a gift!

Sales of the album go towards the education and development of musicians in Britain.

NEW ALBUM RELEASE!

MUSIC FOR

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Help us in our mission to Unite Hearts Through Arts

KALANIDHI

Kalanidhi in Sanskrit means ‘The Treasure of Art’ and our aim at Milapfest is to preserve and promote the arts and culture of India for everyone to enjoy.

Your donation to Milapfest will directly support projects, artists and local communities by:

> breaking down barriers between cultures and bringing people together

> supporting children and young people to explore new skills and cultural experiences

> improving well-being through vibrant performances and educational experiences in Indian arts

To become a Kalanidhi donor today,

Visit www.milapfest.com/kalanidhi call the Development Department on 0151 291 3949 or email [email protected]

MILAPFEST

A rare collection of recordings and

educational materials on Indian performing arts.

Lecture series | PerformancesDigital archive recordings

Books | DVDs | CDs

An invaluable resource for students, academics, practitioners and public.

Incorporating TAG Digital Archives, Chennai

For further information please call 0151 291 3949

The Milapfest Institute of Indian Arts

MILAPFESTUNITING HEARTS THROUGH ARTS

Find Us

PARKING

Limited parking is available at the venue 45 minutes prior to evening performances. Altenative parking is also available at Q Park on Epworth Street, just two minutes walk from the venue. For sat nav use L6 1LY. Hope University visitors are entitled to a discount rate, please request vouchers at Capstone Theatre reception.

BY CAR

From M62 follow signs to City Centre and Universities. For sat nav use Liverpool Hope University, L6 1HP.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Bus: From Liverpool City Centre, Queens Square Bus Station, take any of buses 12, 13, 14, 14a, 14b and 19a, all of which ston near the campus on Islington near a large Staples store - please look out for this. The 21 and 345 stop directly outside the Campus on Shaw Street.

Rail: The Capstone Theatre is less than a mile away from Liverpool Lime Street Station. The main entrance to the station is directly opposite Queen Square bus terminal

Milapfest is Britain’s leading Indian Arts Development Trust, producing world-class performances, education, and artist development opportunities throughout the year. Look out for exciting events in your area - visit our websitewww.milapfest.com

Cover illustration by Dilrani Kaur

All images have been provided courtesy of the artist, with the exception of Ranajit Sengupta by Carlie Rice, Patri Satish Kumar/Anil Srinivasan/Kousic Sen by Pradeep Karanjkar, Samyo by Mark McNaulty, Anil Srinivasan by Alan Smith.

MILAPFESTUNITING HEARTS THROUGH ARTS

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Daily evening performances / 7:30pmSingle Ticket £8Festival pass £45Student Festival pass £35

Booking Online www.milapfest.com

No booking feeTel 0151 291 3949

Lines open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)

Morning Ragas and Doodles in the DarkFree Admission

Information Email [email protected] 0151 291 3949

VenueThe Capstone Theatre / Cornerstone TheatreLiverpool Hope University17 Shaw StreetLiverpool L6 1HP

(Sat Nav L8 3QB)

John Lewis Partnership

Join us to celebrate the very best of Indian arts, right in the heart of Liverpool.

Funded by

Documents

Indika brochure 2015