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Kalaa Utsavam is an annual festival that celebrates Indian arts during the festive period of Deepavali – the Festival of Lights. An exciting selection of classical to contemporary performances by acclaimed Indian artists from Singapore and beyond will be presented from 20 – 29 Nov this year.
Programme Highlights:
Anthar-Agni: A musical passage unveiling the fire within
by Temple of Fine Arts
Fire (agni) is a positive energy of the cosmos long embraced by cultures around the world since time immemorial. Worshipped as Surya Bhagavan (a sun god) by Hindu farming nomads in ancient times, it is also known as God of the Flames to the wandering gypsies and the illuminating flame of love in Sufi philosophy.
Following the success of productions such as Water, Damaru and Taal Express, the Temple of Fine Arts’ latest presentation Anthar-Agni is a music and dance tribute to the sacred fire, celebrating its deep spiritual significance as well as influence on Asian and Spanish cultures. Conceptualised by 2011 Young Artist Award recipient Nawaz Mirajkar, the concert blends percussive instrumentation, vocals, dance and a mesmerising visual backdrop of silhouettes against a glowing sun. Also featured this evening are Chinese musicians, Spanish dancers and guest musicians from India whose collaborative sparks add a new dimension to an Indian classical music performance.
20 Nov, Fri, Esplanade Concert Hall, 7.30pm
(2hrs 20mins, including a 20min intermission)
Prayaana : Journey with Music
by Sikkil Gurucharan, Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Ghatam S Karthik and Nagai Sriram
An important voice in the new generation of musicians, carnatic vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan returns to Esplanade for an evening of song and imagination, with prominent names in South Indian classical music. Join him as he takes you across the Indian subcontinent, through the stunning musical landscapes of Gujarat, Varanasi, Mathura, Kashmir, West Bengal and more.
21 Nov, Sat, Esplanade Concert Hall, 7.30pm
(2hrs 30mins, no intermission)
Viswa Prana: The Cosmic Breath
Featuring Rama Vaidyanathan and Ajith Bhaskaran Dass
In the yogic tradition of Pranayama, it is believed that our breath contains prana, the life force which energises our mind, body and soul. It is the principle of life and consciousness, a cosmic energy that permeates all beings.
Viswa Prana is an exercise in harnessing the prana within each and every one of us. Choreographed by Rama Vaidyanathan, this bharatanatyam performance explores Man’s relationship with nature and the life force that flows through each and every living thing.
Esplanade Theatre, 28 Nov Sat, 8pm
(1hr 30mins no intermission)
Tickets: from $28. Limited concessions available.
More information: www.esplanade.com/kalaautsavam
When: 20 - 29 Nov 2015,
By: Esplanade