AN extraordinary cultural celebration showcasing Indian and Bahraini dance and music is set to be staged from tomorrow to May 16.
Organised by the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS), the fourth edition of the BKS Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival is being held at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall for 15 days.
“We are thankful to the Indian Embassy, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and the Social Development Ministry for their valuable assistance in conducting this mega festival,” said BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai.
Festival director Soorya Krishnamoorthy, respected for his role in promoting Indian classical arts globally, has curated a 15-day line-up blending tradition with innovation.
Kicking off the concert series is Carnatic vocalist Sandeep Narayan, who will perform tomorrow at 7.30pm for the opening ceremony of the festival.
Mr Narayan
Mr Narayan, one of the leading vocalists in Carnatic music, was born and raised in the US and was introduced to the art form by his mother, Shubh. At the age of 11, he took a year off school to train with one of the masters of Indian classical music, K S Krishnamurthy.
After Mr Krishnamurthy’s death, Mr Narayan trained with Sanjay Subrahmanyan and has been a full-time performing artist and teacher since 2002.
“We have a number of young artists this time since we want to focus on some of the emerging talent,” convenor for the festival Prasanth Govindapuram told the GDN.
“These creatives have already proved their mettle within a very short time.
“We wanted to identify and promote this talent. This year, we are also showcasing a talented local Bahraini instrumentalist, who will be serenading us with the oud.”
On Saturday, mandolin virtuoso Uppalapu Rajesh, popularly known as Mandolin Rajesh, will take the stage at 8pm.
Mr Rajesh
The globally acclaimed instrumentalist brings to Bahrain a unique interpretation of Carnatic music on the Western instrument, offering a thrilling fusion of technique and tradition.
He has performed live with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (with Dominique Di Piazza) and KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to concerts in the Middle East, Europe, North America and Australia.
Dance takes centre stage on May 8 with a Mohiniyattam group production titled ‘Uchchila’ choreographed by Methil Devika, a leading Indian classical dancer, who, in 2023, was a senior research associate at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, developing an arts-integrated advanced science project.
Ms Devika
On May 9, acclaimed actress and dancer Asha Sharath will be performing a Bharatanatyam duet with her daughter Uthara, promising a deeply personal and expressive performance rooted in the classical tradition.
Mr Aseeri
On May 10, Bahraini artist Mohamed Aseeri will present a unique blend of vocal and instrumental music,
strumming his trademark oud and representing the local talent and cross-cultural spirit that the festival aims to foster.
May 15 will see a special performance by Vaikkom Vijayalakshmi, who will offer both Carnatic vocals and Gayathri veena renditions.
Visually impaired since birth, Ms Vijayalakshmi is celebrated for her extraordinary talent and inspiring journey in the world of classical music.
The festival will conclude on May 16 with Carnatic vocalist Kunnakudi M Balamuralikrishna, whose vibrant style and strong lineage in the Carnatic tradition make him a fitting finale to this grand celebration of culture.
Mr Balamuralikrishna
For details, contact Mr Govindapurm on 39991972, Mr Pillai on 39691590 or BKS general secretary Varghese Karakkal on 39617620.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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