News & Notes
Tyagaraja aradhana in Paris

The Paris Town Hall became a nexus of cultural
convergence, as the annual celebration of Carnatic music unfolded. The event
transcended boundaries, blending the vibrancy of Chennai with the charm of
Paris, as attendees immersed themselves in a fusion of Indian and French
cultures.
The day commenced with a soulful rendition of
Pillari Geetegalu by the students of the Indian Conservatory of Paris. The
ambiance, reminiscent of the musical gatherings in Chennai, resonated with
excitement, bridging continents and cultures. Dignitaries present include the
Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, HE Mr. Jawed Ashraf, and the Deputy
Mayor of Paris 16, Ms. Samia Badat Karam.
The highlight of the event was the rendition of Saint Tyagaraja's Pancharatna Kritis. The Aradhana also marked a significant milestone with the signing of an MOU between the Indian Conservatory of Paris and the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University, formalizing their partnership in promoting Carnatic music and dance education through grades, certificate and Diploma courses.
S.Sowmya, Vice Chancellor of JJ Music and Fine Arts
university also gave a concert, ably accompanied on violin by Embar Kannan and
mridangam by Neyveli Narayanan. She commensed with Sharanu siddhivinayaka
in Sourashtra and continued to perform Maa mayura meedil, with beautiful
raga alapana. It is a composition of Mazhavai Chidambara Bharathi. Marugelara,
in raga Jayantasri was woven with samakaalam kalpanaswarams. The main
composition Meenakshi memudam was complete with raga Poorvikalyani with ragalaapana,
neraval and kalpanaswarams
Reflecting on the event, HE Mr. Jawed Ashraf, the
Indian Ambassador to France, emphasized its role in fostering cultural exchange
and deepening bilateral relations. Bhavana Pradyumna, the President of the
Indian Conservatory of Paris, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration,
highlighting its historic importance for cultural exchange between India and
France.
Founded in 2015 by Bhavana Pradyumna and Pradyumna
Kandadai, the Indian Conservatory of Paris has been instrumental in promoting
Indian classical music, dance, and art in France.