‘Music cuts through differences, reaches community and audience’
The 150th birth anniversary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi took on a musical dimension as renowned violinist Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam orchestrated performances of ‘Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram’ and ‘Vaishnava Jana To.’ These renditions were presented by the Castile and León Symphony Orchestra from Spain, along with singer Kavita Krishnamurthy in Pune during the ninth edition of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF). The festival, held in collaboration with Vishwakarma University at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, aimed to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Dr. Subramaniam, a Padma Bhushan awardee, shared his thoughts with The Indian Express during an interview on the sidelines of the concert. Here are the highlights:
**Q: In the current political climate, where there is unrest, music has emerged as a form of protest. How does music contribute to binding society?**
A: I prefer not to delve into the politics of the situation. Music transcends boundaries and is a universal language. The only potential barrier is the language of the lyrics. If we present African or Latin music, there might be a lyrical barrier due to unfamiliar languages. However, music achieves its purpose when the audience is open and receptive. It breaks through differences, connecting communities and audiences. Music is a global art form that operates without political boundaries.
**Q: What motivated you to establish this global music festival?**
A: Earlier, Western music was considered classical, while all other forms were labeled as ethnic or folk. Our Indian music has ancient roots dating back to the Vedas and branching into Carnatic and Hindustani with Persian influences. My goal was to transform this perception and inspire pride in Indian classical music. I coined the term “global music,” incorporating values, traditions, and cultures from around the world. We gradually introduced foreign artists, expanding the festival into a global platform. We perform in various cities, and this time is special as we plan to make Pune the annual host for the event.
**Q: How was the experience of presenting this concert in Pune?**
A: Pune has a fantastic audience with a deep appreciation for classical music and other art forms. This was the first time we presented a Spanish composition here. The opening piece was inspired by the mindset of a bullfighter.
**Q: Your instrument, the violin, has evolved over time and is now a standalone instrument. How has your father’s vision impacted the evolution of the violin as a solo performance instrument?**
A: The violin initially served as an accompanying instrument. My father, Prof V Laxminarayana, worked as a music professor in Jaffna. He envisioned the violin as a solo instrument, but in India, it was primarily played as part of an ensemble. To fulfill his dream, he introduced flexible plucking techniques and altered dynamics, eventually elevating the violin to the solo status it enjoys today.
**Q: What projects do you have for aspiring musicians?**
A: We are collaborating with Vishwakarma University on programs offering BA Hons in music, focusing on vocal and percussion. Our aim is to bridge the gap between traditional Gurukul-style learning and the current college education system. The curriculum emphasizes practical training, with 70% focused on practice and the remainder on theory, encompassing North, South, and global music. I am also working on textbooks for these subjects, recognizing the need for comprehensive educational materials. Music education should include rigorous training, practice, and exposure to both foreign and local musical forms, with careful monitoring of the student’s progress.