D.
S. Srivathsa is one of the leading singers for dance,
especially for Bharathanatyam, in the state of Karnataka.
A competent solo performer, pursuing music from
the past 22 years, he is one of the Directors of
Nartana Keertana Centre for Performing Arts
and a disciple of Vidhwan Sri. D.V. Nagaraja
from Vijaya College of Music. He is also
a graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan.
He has performed extensively in the USA and England.
In the year 1997, Srivathsa was one of the lead
singers for Tagore's Bengali dance ballet "Shyama"
lead by renowned artist Lakshmi Shankar.
Presently, along with his wife Soundarya,
a well-known Bharathanatyam dancer of Karnataka,
he is running the Nartana Keertana Centre for Performing
Arts in Bangalore.
Aruna Sunderlal,
Western Classical Singer
Mrs.
Aruna Sunderlal is a western classical music
singer of global repute. A well-known mezzo-soprano,
she has enthralled the audience with the power and
timbre of her voice. She is known for her services
to western music both in India and abroad. Being
the Founder-Director of Bangalore School
of Music, she has endeavoured to bring western
music into the limelight.
Sunderlal came to Bangalore in late 1986 after the
death of her husband. She decided to set up a music
school to cater to the needs of western classical
music lovers and students. The Bangalore Music School
came into being
in 1987.
She is the founder member of the Association
of Western Music Schools in India. She has been
honoured with many awards, including the 20th
Century Achievement Award by the American
Biographical Institute. Recently, she was listed
in the 'Who is Who' in Asia and Pacific Nations,
published by IBC, England. She had the honour of
releasing The Mozart stamp in Karnataka on
behalf of the Dept. of Posts & Telegraphs.
Interview
What is music, according to you? It's a science and art - it's an intellectual
art! It is also a spiritual experience!
The activities of your school? Apart from academic
training… We give 12-15 performances a year. We also present
overseas artistes. We have developed a Chamber Orchestra
- wherein teachers, students, and professionals
of the recording industry participate. Our orchestra
has played with famous soloists from overseas.
What's the method you adopt to teach your students?
We follow the syllabi of the The London Boards
of Music as a base and add pieces of interest and
variety, depending on age and grade of student.
Music appreciation, tests and concerts are part
of the training.
Which instrument is more receptive to Western music?
Piano is the basic instrument for western music.
Guitar has become very popular in Bangalore. The
school has been instrumental in promoting other
instruments as the recorder, flute, clarinet, trumpet,
saxophone and specially the violin. Many children
and even adults are learning this instrument
. Do you provide instruments to the students?
The students are expected to bring their own
instruments, except pianos! Most of the instruments
we use are imported. They are very costly, though.
Some can't afford the high prices. Brass instruments
are made in North India and string ones as the guitar
and violin in Calcutta, Rampur, Bangalore and Chennai.
But sadly the quality leaves much to be desired.
So, we are dependent on imported items. This situation
must change…
What are the drawbacks of western music in India?
No grants from the State or Central Government.
The imported instruments are very costly! One example
- a good classical guitar costs over Rs 25,000/-
The present younger generation is more attracted
to rock and pop music, than classical music…. Parents should guide the children in the right
direction. They should channel their energy in sports
and/or the fine arts. Nowadays, success is measured
in wealth and material gain - not creativity.
What's the present state of Classical music in our
country? Western classical music has suffered, not rock
'n' pop. Jazz is very good. It's the same for classical.
Getting support and sponsorship for the Classical
Arts is a difficult task.
What's the essence of learning classical music?
Dedication and consistent work… The base in classical music is a must. Once
the base is solid, you can become more creative.
You can create fusion with the knowledge of both
Western and Indian classical traditions. Blending
is possible, once classical background is there.
Then there is no end to your creativity
8:14:47 AM 
D.
S. Srivathsa is one of the leading singers for dance,
especially for Bharathanatyam, in the state of Karnataka.
A competent solo performer, pursuing music from
the past 22 years, he is one of the Directors of
Nartana Keertana Centre for Performing Arts
and a disciple of Vidhwan Sri. D.V. Nagaraja
from Vijaya College of Music. He is also
a graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan.
He has performed extensively in the USA and England.
In the year 1997, Srivathsa was one of the lead
singers for Tagore's Bengali dance ballet "Shyama"
lead by renowned artist Lakshmi Shankar.
Presently, along with his wife Soundarya,
a well-known Bharathanatyam dancer of Karnataka,
he is running the Nartana Keertana Centre for Performing
Arts in Bangalore.
Mrs.
Aruna Sunderlal is a western classical music
singer of global repute. A well-known mezzo-soprano,
she has enthralled the audience with the power and
timbre of her voice. She is known for her services
to western music both in India and abroad. Being
the Founder-Director of Bangalore School
of Music, she has endeavoured to bring western
music into the limelight.
