The Bangalore Gayana Samaja, formed in 1905 is the oldest such Samaja in the country. It is entirely dedicated to musical concerts and is a prestigious place where well known musicians have performed various classical programmes. The Samaja has contributed immensely to the development of classical music.

Itbegan functioning in Shankariah Hall, which was taken on a rental basis. Later in the year 1962 it was shifted to the present building on Sri Krishnarajendra Road. It was renovated in 1994, and was inaugurated by Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Veteran Musician who is presently considered a living legend.

The Samaja conducts a music conference every year in the month of October, which lasts for 8 days. This conference has various programmes where senior musicians perform and many of them are honoured. A Senior Musician will be honured with the Sangeetha Kala Ratna award. The Samaja also has 'Artist of the year' award, which will be given to honour 8 best performers in the field of Vocal, Veena, Harikathe, Violin, Mrudanga, etc. In the same conference they also have expert sessions wherein famous musicians are involved in discussions pertaining to music.

Various competitions are held to encourage and recognise budding talent in youngsters who are then awarded with mementos and cash prizes for outstanding performances. Plans are afoot for conducting training classes at Bangalore Gayana Samaja in the long run.

The funding for Bangalore Gayana Samaj has been through endowments and sponsors. Patron members - Rs 10,000, Vice patron - Rs 3,000, Ordinary Member -Rs 150 per year.

The Samaja boasts of famous music legends who have performed here, Dr M S Subbulaksmi,
D K Pattammal, M L Vasantha kumari are some of them.

'Gayana Samrajya' a monthly bulletin of the Samaja carries details and a forecast of the programme schedules, competitions and articles pertaining to well-known artists and the Samaja.

The present Honourable Secretary, G.V Krishna Prasad of Bangalore Gayana Samaja is in charge of the happenings in the Samaja. It has many senior members who have associated themselves in all the developmental activities with enthusiasm and have been contributing a lot for the upliftment of the Samaja. Sri. A. Anantha Krishnan was one among them who recently passed away at the age of 89.

The auditorium has a seating capacity of 700. The ticket costs just Rs 20/- per show. The cultural programmes that are held at the Samaja have been attracting a large number of people.

Address:

Bangalore Gayana Samaja,
Sri Krishnarajendra Road,
Bangalore-560 004
Ph: 2650 6049.
Email: gayanasamaj@yahoo.com

Click here for an encounter with the living legend
- Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.

Text and Pics by Jai Prasad V.Rai

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