Entertainers should become Enablers:

R. Seshasayee told city-based pianist Anil Srinivasan, a year back, that contemporizing an art form does not mean its destruction.

 “Critical masses” cannot be achieved without diversifying the manner of presentation. Innovations in the format of presentation, rather than be condemned as ‘debasing’ the classical tradition, should be seen as means to attracting different types of listeners. Once hooked, the listener will start on his or her own quest towards the substance of the musical form.

Today both young and seasoned artists come with different packages during the season to make the audience get their share of enjoyment. The challenge lies in formatting in such a way that the original essence of achieving spiritual realization does not get diluted. 

The likes of T M Krishna and Sanjay Subrahmanyan are towards such an endeavor.

As we move on, we need to see how many youngsters are able to get their fair deal when it comes to opportunities.  While we talk about “enabling and empowering” as a major management tool for organization goals the same should be used by sabha’s and senior artist to enable youth play a dominant role in the classical music. 

How many young artists have come out of the Sanjay’s stable or TMK’s stable will be the new benchmarks as their individual credentials are well established. 

Students such as Prashanth Viswanathan, Swarna Rethas, Sandeep Narayan, and Prasanna Venkatraman from Guru Sanjay will be keenly watched.

 Similarly TMK’s initiative through Kalachara Marumalarchi, an organization dedicated to the revival of cultural activities in the interior towns and villages of Tamil Nadu will be a phenomenal effort, if it yields the desired result.

Going forward the rasikas will look for such impacts created by these legends than their own personal performances.

Change is the only thing that will exist in the system and the new comers will have to search towards innovation and the stakeholders in the system should support for the cause.

We cannot become averse to changes in this “format” especially if it aids both the performer and the listener.