Welcoming 2017 with ‘kritis’, ‘laya’

From 10 pm, Vani Mahal will be the destination for music lovers where the ‘Eastern Ethnic New Year Eve’, conceptualised by Carnatica and Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, will unravel. This year’s edition will feature Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Umayalapuram K Sivaraman presenting a ‘Man Vs Machine’ performance on glass mridangam. 

Padma Shri awardees Aruna Sairam and Sudha Ragunathan too will be present. Organiser KN Shashikiran of Carnatica said, “We try to bring in variety every year. Around 60 musicians are performing this year. We will usher in 2017 with a Carnatic choir, led by Sudha Ragunathan. We have added film music, Carnatic mimicry and comedy session to make it a fulfilled event. 

After all, it is the New Year.” One of the performers, musician Rithvik Raja recalled the first time he enjoyed the programme. “Back then, only a hundred people would attend the event. Over the years, it has got great traction and the event now opens to a full house. To gather as a music community and wind down after a hectic December music season with friends is always relaxing,” he concluded.