Report and pics by Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SP)
Mumbai, Mar 19: Dr Vasumati Badrinatan, a classical vocalist from Mumbai, is featuring in the first International Music Festival titled 'Space of Mugham' being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the first Indian artiste to get this rare honour. The Festival is being organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan Composers.
As part of the said Festival being held from March 18 to 25, the organizers have planned for an international scientific symposium titled, 'Mugham World', international contest of Mugham performers and Mugham operas. The festival also features international musicians from Italy, Syria, China, Iran, Iraq, Morocco and Egypt. “I feel honoured and privileged. It is a matter of pride for the Indian music, particularly Carnatic music,' Vasumati said. Her concert is scheduled for March 25.
Dr Vasumati Badrinatan is an eminent Carnatic vocalist, having a rare sensitivity and versatility. She inherited music from a background of great musicians of her family and was initiated into the art at a very young age by her mother, the late Padma Seshadri. She fine-tuned her talents under the tutelage of renowned Guru T R Balamani.
Vasumati is a truly international artiste, having toured extensively in Europe, Asia Pacific and African countries. She was invited by Reunion Island in 2005 to take part in their annual 10-day festival. She also has taken part in a number of music festivals, besides conducting workshops the world over. She has been featured in various national and international television channels and won awards. French Television Channel conferred the 'Best Poetic Adaptation' award on her. She worked with a jazz musician in Paris to create a fusion album.
Vasumati, besides holding concerts, is a thinking musician who has got involved with several research projects. She has presented her research works in the form of lecture-cum-demonstrations in various forums, radio and television channels. She is a fellowship recipient of the government of India and was awarded a grant by the ministry of culture for a special production titled 'Stree Gnanam,' a multi-media production on women composers in Carnatic Music.
Mugham Music: Mugham is a rich and authentic art of Azerbaijan, which has lived through several centuries. This is a highly structured system characterized by a large degree of improvisations. The authenticity, richness and cultural significance of Mugham were acknowledged by UNESCO in 2003. Azerbaijani Mugham and masters of Azarbaijani Mugham are widely acknowledged worldwide.