Chitravina N. Ravikiran in Slovenia

[emilija]

Earlier in October my Guru, Chitravina N. Ravikiran visited my country Slovenia again for the purpose of presenting the beautiful heritage of Carnatic music. The 3-day event of South Indian Classical Music in Ljubljana (our capital) was warmly welcomed among Slovenians.

The first day Ravikiran Sir gave a lecture on Introduction to Carnatic Music at the University of Ljubljana with an introductory speech by the University Rector himself.
The following day we witnessed a beautiful concert in The City Museum, organized by The Slovenia Times Magazine and Association of Indian-Slovene Friendship. Ravikiran Sir showcased a glimpse of Carnatic music with his exquisite playing on chitravina, rendering some of the most graceful ragas like Kalyani and Sri, accompanied by two local Hindustani musicians on violin and tabla. The musical evening was unique in its way as it united different dignitaries and guests, from diplomatic circles, top managers and academics to culture lovers and spiritual seekers. The concert was supported by the Indian Ambassador himself who, after the concert, expressed his wish to repeatedly organize similar events.
The last day Ravikiran Sir conducted a workshop on Carnatic music which gave theoretical and practical introduction to raga and tala. Slovenian musicians enjoyed it and showed their interest to learn more.

During my Guru's stay in Slovenia our national TV channel did a 7min portrait on him and Carnatic music, which can be viewed here: http://tvslo.si/predvajaj/duhovni-utrip/ava2.84891969/ (from 4:48 onwards).

I thank my Guru and all others for their blessings that helped this Carnatic event become such a success.
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in bringing CM to foreign countries.

Lovingly,
Emilija

ps: more on his first visit already posted here http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13334

[uday_shankar]

Emilija,

Najlepša hvala ! It is really wonderful that Ravikiran sir has been able to bring CM to Slovenia !

It is indeed a wonderful treat for the fans, friends and students of Ravikiran sir (I met you at Ravikiran sir's house last year...I was the person who was able to say where Slovenia was on the map!).

Wishing you the very best in your efforts to master CM...you have one of the greatest teachers. Srečno !

Uday

[arasi]

Emilija,
I have seen your post last year (?) about your guru's concert at the university. To know that an interest in Carnatic Music has sprouted in Slovenia is wonderful to hear. Ravikiran is ideal as an ambassador to CM. It warms my heart to know that many were drawn to his performance--students, faculty, ambassadors and the general public.
Music and arts have the power to bind nations by erasing away geographical boundaries.
To hear CM in Slovenia! Best wishes to you in your learning and to all those who are getting intersted in CM in your part of the world!

[suma]

congrats to Ravikiran.
Is this Slovenia somewhere near russia? where is this country?

[vasanthakokilam]

https://www.cia.gov/library/publication ... os/si.html

[arasi]

VK,
A little less ignorant now, thanks to you...

[emilija]

Thank you all for nice thoughts and support.
Uday, your Slovene is very good! :) And good luck with your work!

[srkris]

Emilija, how can Carnatic Music in Slovenia move beyond having annual Ravikiran tours? Do you have any ideas?

[emilija]

Well, that was definitely one of the best possible ways to introduce CM which was mostly unknown to Slovenian public. First people need to develop the taste for it, then they can appreciate it. We are planning many other activites on how to bring CM closer to people, but will update you on details later on, when we actually start working on it.

All the best

[mankuthimma]

I have a sneaky feeling that the first composition to be composed in Slovenia will be on the Lines

Villa Planina Villa Nebina in UdayaRavichandrke

[chalanata]

[kunthalavarali]

congrats to Ravikiran.
Is this Slovenia somewhere near russia? where is this country?

Slovenia was part of the former Yugoslavia. Now a prosperous republic in central Europe it borders Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria. All these countries and the not far away Czech republic are famous for western classical music and opera. Though not surprising, it is heartening to note that our music is getting appreciation in that country. Slovenia is a very beautiful country, specially the part bordering the alps.

[smala]

A beautiful smiling Emilija....

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article981400.ece

[Nick H]

Oh, well found!

Congratulations on your lovely picture, Emilija

[mahavishnu]

yes, great find!
Very nice article and picture. I haven't browsed through the gopuram website yet.

[vasanthakokilam]

gopuram.org is in Slovenian, and google language tools did a good job of translating the site to English. "Established to raise awareness and educate the general public in the field of Indic Vedic culture." Good job Emilija and thanks s_p for finding the link.

[mahavishnu]

VK, there is an English tab on the top right corner of the site
(But I love google's translation features as well!)

[vasanthakokilam]

Ah.. I see it now

[emilija]

Oh... you found the link :$

Thanks all for kind words and support!
It was great being in Chennai at least for one part of the season.

Happy new year to all!