A performance of Carnatic music will be given on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Mathes Hall.
The classical music that will be performed originates from the classical music traditions of Southern India.
One prominent musician in the featured band is T.N. Krishnan.
Krishnan is an international soloist who is considered one of the most respected and influential violinists in classical Indian music.
Krishnan’s son Sriram and daughter Viji Krishnan-Natarajan are also featured on violin. Vinod Venkataraman is a percussionist who will be playing the mridangam, which is an Indian drum.
The group is not permanent. Each musician has a separate musical and professional life, but has agreed to tour and share Southern Indian classical music with university and college audiences across the United States.
“It is very engaging and lively music, and the performers and the audience will really get into it,” said Dr. Alison Deadman, assistant professor of clarinet and music history.
Deadman said classical Indian music has been passed on to each generation orally and has ancient rooms.
She said the performance will be improvisatory in nature.
Each musician will play and work with the other musicians in a back-and-forth manner.
The performance will be like a “dialogue” with each musician moving “in and out.”
Only occasionally will they play as one.
Deadman said the percussionist’s important role is to keep the group “on track” during the precise performances. Despite the improvisation, the performances are highly structured.
“There are always three sections to a piece,” she said. “And there are mathematical rules as to how long you go and when to quit.”
Deadman said she thinks viewers will find it interesting that, unlike our classical musicians, the performers will be sitting on the floor and will have their legs crossed.
In addition, the violins will not be held on the shoulder but will rest on the performer’s feet.
The concert should be an interesting experience for those with an appreciation of rhythm and beat.
“Just the intricacies of the drum-part will be fascinating,” Deadman said.
The concert is free but donations will be accepted.
A reception for the musicians is planned. Call 439-6432 for more information.

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