Karnatic Music: Dr. T. V. Manikandan

                         
Dr. T. V. Manikandan is a familiar name in the field of Indian Classical Music. He is well known for his traditional approach with purity and classicism. His melodious and clear voice take the listeners to a divine world of peace and sheer enjoyment. According to his critics his music is a treat to ears and food to the soul. Hailing from a family of musicians, Dr. Manikandan started music at a tender age of four, from his Grand father. Later he came under the tutelage of Sri Trippunithura Viswanatha Bhagavathar and gave his debut performance at the age of nine and later he got trained by Sri Trissur P. Radhakrishnan. He completed his Bachelor's in music from Govt. College, Chittoor. He holds Masters in Music and M.Phil from Delhi University and done extensive research in Karnatic Music under the guidance of Padmabhushan, Sangita Kalanidhi, Prof. T. N.Krishnan. He recieved "National Scholarship" from the Dept.of Culture, Govt.of India, to sharpen his quality by further training in music from Sangita Kalanidhi Prof. T. N.Krishnan.
At present Dr. T. V. Manikandan is an associate Professor in the Department of Music, Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, Delhi University.

Dr. Manikandan will present a set of performances in the cultural programm on the evening of 16 December, 2009.

Ghungroo:

`Ghungroo' is an institute, which imparts training on different Indian dance forms. The institute has been created by Iva Sen, a senior disciple of `Kathak' exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj.  Beside Kathak, she is also trained in different Indian folk dance forms, Rabindra Nritya and creative dance. The disciples of `Ghungroo' get theoretical and practical training on different dance forms and participate in stage performances. The objective of this institute is to create interest amongst today's youth about Indian dance forms and to create complete artists, who will keep the tradition going.

Ghungroo presents Rhythms - a collage of Indian Classical Dances and Sristi - a Dance Ballet, during the cultural programme on the evening of 18th December 2009.

Venue: Seminar Hall

Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao-de Haas:

Ace composer and performer, Shubhendra Rao is ranked amongst the key soloists of India. Distinguished as a musical bridge to many cultures, he creates an experience for his audience that "is not aimed at titillating the senses, but to seize the soul" (The Hindu, New Delhi, 4th Feb 2000). A protege of world-renowned Sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Shubhendra has established himself not only as a master of his instrument but also as a thinking musician, constantly endeavoring to carry his instrument beyond conventional boundaries.

Saskia Rao-de Haas introduces a new sound in the world of Indian classical music.
Saskia Rao-de Haas has been described as "been taught by God, everybody should
listen to her" by her Guru Flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. "Her Cello
music truly speaks what cannot be expressed...flows from the heaven to the soul"
BITS Pilani. A brilliant cellist from the Netherlands, she has been a pioneer in the
world of music for introducing her Indian Cello to North Indian classical music.
Saskia the first Non-Indian artist to perform Indian Classical Music on the Cello
at the prestigious Doverlane Music conference in Kolkata is monumental in
showcasing the world a new face of Indian music.

They present a duet of Sitar and Indian Cello during the cultural programme on the evening of 18th December 2009.
Venue: Seminar Hall