An exhibition of paintings by Meenakshi Wadhwa

Inauguration by Ayan Ali Bangash, Sarod maestro on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 18:30

 Preview on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 18:30

Odissi Recital
By Namrata Mehta from Delhi, disciple of Guru Smt Daksha Mashruwala 
 

At 19:00 
Kathak Recital
By Swati Sinha from Delhi, disciple of Pt. Rajendra Gangani 
 

Presented by Katsura Sunshine, well-known traditional Japanese rakugo artist from Canada

Rakugo storytelling is a 400-year-old Japanese comedic art form. Dating back to the 17th century and originating from Buddhist tradition, rakugo experienced its heyday in the Meiji era (1868-1912) when it adopted its current form and left the streets and private apartments for performance venues. The storyteller, rakugoka, alone on stage, kneels on a cushion and does not move from this position throughout the performance. With no backdrop or music, the rakugo artist uses only his facial expressions, changes in intonation and props to bring humourous stories to life

Katsura Sunshine studied this traditional and unique form of verbal entertainment in Japan as an apprentice to rakugo master Katsura Bunshi VI, then Katsura Sanshi for another three years. He is the only the second Westerner to become a rakugo master in Japan’s history.

(Collaboration: The Japan Foundation, New Delhi)

'Does Contemporary Minimalist and Electronic Music have to be boring? Check it out!'

Illustrated lecture by Amb. Gautam Mukhopadhaya, former Indian Ambassador to Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar. In the course of his life and career, he developed a taste for progressive rock and jazz, Hindustani classical and regional music, and later, South American, some strains of Western classical and religious, African, Arab, Ottoman, Iranian, and South East and East Asian music

Minimalist and electronic typically conjure up sonic images of either repetitive, unchanging, monotonous music in which nothing happens for long periods of time, inducing yawns; or loud, mechanical or 'techno' dance or rave music defined by heavy, deadening drum beats that drive one away. But the two distinct, but sometimes intriguingly related sounds are rich in experimentation and creativity, ranging from early pioneers from the fringes of jazz and world music in the 1960s, to the edges of rock in the 1970s, to the more classical work of people like John Adams, the experimental vocals of Meredith Monk and Pauline Oliveiros, the cerebral yet hypnotic works of Steve Reich, the very 'visual' and often lush and melodic music of Philip Glass using mostly acoustic instrumentation, among others  
 

Vaa Ghar Sabse Nyaara

The Hindi biography of Kumar Gandharva by Dhruv Shukla, writer and poet

A discussion with the author, Rajeev Vora and Udayan Vajpeyi

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation)

(92 min; 2021; Kannada with English subtitles)
Written & Directed by Babu Eshwar Prasad who will introduce the film

Screening will be followed by a discussion

The film is a meditation on the act of walking through the lives of three principal characters: Kumar, a photojournalist disenchanted with his regular job; Neelu, a salesgirl in a shoe shop with a set routine; and Amaresha, an elderly prisoner. Moving between dream and reality, the film is an exploration of the inner and outer landscapes they encounter

Centres of Power 

By Chinmaya R.Gharekhan (New Delhi: Rupa Publishing, 2023)

Discussants: Shri M. Hamid Ansari, former Vice-President of India; Amb. M.K. Rasgotra, former Foreign Secretary of India; Shri K. Natwar Singh, writer and former Minister of External Affairs; and Amb. Chinmaya R.Gharekhan, formerly India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and author of the book

Chair: Shri Shyam Saran, President, IIC

Indian Railway Buildings: Heritage, History and Beyond

Illustrated lecture by Vinoo N. Mathur, formerly Secretary, Railway Board, Member Traffic, Railway Board and author of the recently published book of the same title (New Delhi: Niyogi Books, 2022)

From imposing railway terminuses in cities in India to picturesque stations in small towns, the romance of the railways still remains. Shri Mathur will present a journey through some of the most iconic railway buildings in India – buildings that were and still are, landmark structures

Violin Recital
By Uma Arun from Delhi, disciple of Guru Kalaimamani Shri V.S.K.Chakrapani and Guru R. Sridhar
 

At 19:00 
Bharatanatyam Recital
By Sudhana Sankar from Delhi, disciple of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and Rama Vaidyanathan 

By Pallavi Seth, a young-upcoming opera singer who received training in opera and vocal performance at Mannes School of Music, New York

Accompanied by Svetlana Radashkevich on the piano. Svetlana Radashkevich is a highly accomplished concert pianist based in Delhi. Serving as Curriculum leader at the British School, Svetlana is a prominent figure among Russian pianists based in India

Pallavi Seth will present an evening of opera arias and lieder