India Post News Service
Shruthi Swara Laya School of Music proudly presents Bay Area Kala Utsavam (BAKU), a two-day South Indian classical (Carnatic) music competition and concert series on the weekend of Feb 24-25.
Anuradha Suresh, founder of Shruthi Swara Laya and board member of the Fremont Cultural Arts Council, shares, “Our festival spotlights the exceptional talents of Bay Area musicians. With local artists as competitors, judges, and performers, it serves as a platform to showcase our local talent. By nurturing these musical talents, our festival fosters a sense of community and bolsters support for the arts, creating enduring connections among students and artists alike.”
This festival pays homage to the late Rajam Swaminathan, a Bay Area musician and patron, who supported the preservation and propagation of this cherished art form. Rajam Swaminathan’s legacy lives on through her exquisite compositions. This year, the festival will also be honoring the memory of Rukmani Rajagopalan, a beloved violin teacher in the Bay Area.
Manasa Suresh, Director of SSL, says, “For those of us born and raised in the Bay Area, pursuing Carnatic music has provided a unique perspective into what it means to be bicultural, and how an amalgamation of both those cultures helps us create and shape the most authentic version of ourselves.”
The festival commences on February 24 with a competition for young Carnatic music enthusiasts. A panel of distinguished musicians, serving as both judges and role models, will evaluate contestants based on technique, musicality, and stage presence. The grand finale on February 25 promises captivating performances by esteemed judges and local talents alike. Both of these events will be held at the University of Silicon Andhra in Milpitas, CA.
Bay Area Kala Utsavam celebrates the rich musical heritage of South India. Events like this festival play a pivotal role in passing on this musical legacy to future generations, fostering cultural appreciation for our local audiences.
For more information, please visit www.shruthiswaralaya.com. The festival warmly welcomes music enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
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