Both Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi (OVK - 1700-65?)) and Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) contributed much in their respective spheres in world music - namely melody and harmony. Hence their works not only have peerless artistic value but also offer a study in contrast between melodic developments in the East and harmonic strides in the West. This festival is an unprecedented attempt to put both of them on a common platform to give a bird's eye's view to exponents and followers of both Indian and Western Classical music.
I also believe that this will enable Western audiences to appreciate the significance of Carnatic composers like OVK, Tyagaraja, Dikshitar and the significance of India's contribution to the melodic heights that world music is today in, thanks to our Raga system. With a lot of personal effort, I have got hold of Western Orchestras as well as smaller ensembles to present not only Bach's compositions but also a couple of OVK's pieces specially arranged Melharmonically by Shri Chitravina N Ravikiran. This is bound to attract Western listeners also to the festival.
The OVK-Bach festival will be held on Nov 16, 2013 in the Middleton Performing Arts Center. It is expected to be a day-long event and will include:
- Vocal renditions of OVK’s Saptaratna krtis (literally seven gems) whose interesting musical form challenge artistes but are quite listener-friendly. (For info on OVK, please visit:http://www.venkatakavi.org)
- Melharmonic arrangement of an OVK composition and a Bach composition by the Yahara String Quartet. (For info on Melharmony, please visit: http://www.ravikiranmusic.com/Melharmony.htm)
- Compositions of Bach performed by students of School orchestras and other institutions
- Vocal, instrumental and dance performances of OVK's compositions by students of Indian Classical music
- A special academic discussion of the "Pioneering Contributions of Bach and OVK and their significance" by Dr Trevor Stephenson - Artistic Director of the Madison Bach Musicians and Chitravina N Ravikiran
- A special Vocal concert by Ravikiran Ensemble featuring OVK's works
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Vanitha Suresh