V. N. Muthukumar comments : The author is justified in recording the contributions of Higgins et al. to Indian classical music (ICM). However, it should be noted that Harold Powers (currently Emeritus Professor at Princeton) was amongst the earliest students of ICM in North America. He spent the years 1952-54 in Madras on a Fulbright grant, studying Carnatic music. Powers notes that "..the central figure in my musical learning was the late Rangaramanuja Iyengar.."[1]. Subsequently, Iyengar made a trip to the US in 1962 and Powers arranged a series of lecture demonstrations [1]. The contributions of Rangaramanuja Iyengar in popularizing Carnatic music in North America have been documented elsewhere [2], [3]. 1962 was also the year when S. Balachander (the eminent veena vidwan) made a trip to the USA [4]. He led a team called Sangeetha Madras, which comprised himself, N. Ramani (flute), Umayalpuram Sivaraman and Vellore Ramabhadran (mridangam) as well as Natesan (veena repair and tanpura). The troupe gave recitals and demonstrations at programs arranged all over the US by the Asia Society and the Society for Asian Music [5]. This was perhaps the first serious and concentrated effort to spread Indian music in the US. In documenting the contributions of those popularizing ICM in North America, the efforts of these pioneers should be acknowledged. References ---------- [1] Sruti, Vol. 87/88, p. 46 (1991). See also "Background of the South Indian Raga system" by Harold S. Powers, Ph. D. Thesis, Princeton University, 1959. [2] See, for instance, the message sent by Iyengar's students at the Thomas Jefferson College, Allendale, Michigan in Sruti 87/88 p. 41 (1991). [3]http://www.carnatica.com/tribute/rra4.htm [4] As an aside, I note that 1962 was also the year when S. Balachander made his first LP recording. It was also the year he directed (and also composed the music for) the movie "AvanA Ivan?" (this movie was based on the Hollywood film, "A place in the sun"). [5] Sruti, Vol. 68, p. 22 (1990).
SUBHEN CHATTERJEE comments : My warmest regards to Dixitji for this beautiful write up & his unique support in making Indian Classical music alive in USA for the past so many years.Kudos to you -sir. -Subhen-
Shailesh Bhagwat comments : I was extremely happy to visit your website which is presented in a most systematic & exellent manner. As a Shehnai-Artiste & a disciple of Bharat-Ratna USTAD BISMILLAH KHAN SAHEB , I earnestly wish to visit your Country and get an opportunity to perform my fine-art of Shehnai-Music in front of Music-Admirers at your side. Please visit my Website : www.shehnaai.com for details. Awaiting a your favorable response & in the meanwhile....THANKING YOU.....
Kudos to you, Sir, for such hard work and consistent efforts to give Indian music the respectability and status it deserves!! Incidentally, I am touring the USA in March- April 2004 too.
Arindam Chakraborty comments : Iam a sitar player and would like to perform on stage in the U.S.A. Iam learning for more than 7 years and have performed in some renouned organisation like powercab eligator of India.
Sameer Sharadchandra Abhyankar comments : Respected Dr.Dixit, I was extremely happy to visit your website and also was preety impressed by systematic and excellent presentation. As a classical vocalist and a disciple of Pt.Yeshwant Buwa Joshi,I earnestly wish to visit your country and get an opportunity to perform my fine art of classical(vocal)music infront of music admirers at your side.I am a 23 yr old young man. I am a degree holder, Sangeet Alankar of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.Although I have done M.com by professin I am a classical vocalist. Waiting for your favourable response. Thanks...
Dr. Debabrata Mukhopadhyay comments : Excellent , to add to this effort please look into my suggestion : It would be a great effort by you Classical Music Buff to arrange
Live telecast of Doverlane Music Conference being held at Kolkata
through Net ,
All Music Buff around the world would be able to listen and yuo all from abroad can help Doverlane Conference a big boost financially , all subject to their and your acceptance and support and technical possibility to make it happened.
Excellent job done.It would be better if we have some more collective action to take this further.
Thanks,
Rajeev
Sara L. Stalder comments : The South India Fine Arts organization in San Jose, California, was formally registered in 1979. They celebrated their 25th Anniversary over the Memorial Day weekend, by hosting 15 sold-out concerts of Carnatic music and dance during the four days, 28-31 May 2004. Many of the artists came from India; others now reside and teach in northern California. A highlight of the celebration was a Grand Flute Jugalbundhi with Dr. N. Ramani and Pdt. Haraprasad Chaurasya, with Trichy Sankaran, mridangam and Swapan Chaudhry, tabla. There are more than 1000 students in various Bay Area Dance Schools and they presented a collaborative dance production entitled "Shringara," in the Center for Performing Arts Auditorium in downtown San Jose on the third day of the celebration.
For more information on the history and activities of South India Fine Arts, see their website: www.southindiafinearts.org .
N.C.Vijaya Phani comments : Congratulations and we appreciate your efforts to promote art abroad. I am the general secretary of AJANTA ARTS ACADEMY , Hyderabad. we are a group of excellent singers (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil - both classical and filmi songs) and dancers from Kalakshetra , chennai bharatanatyam with excellent ballets on social subjects etc. We have given a number of performances and received applause of audience. We looking forward for the opportunities abroad. we will forward our brocher for your favourable consideration. thanking you.....namaste...sec. AAA phani
Daisy Paradis comments : I read the article with great interest, and I would like to salute Dr. Dixit for his many years of work and promotion of Indian classical music himself. Those of us in the field have long known him as one of the few capable, ethical and meticulous tour organizers in a field where such capability is not common. As such, he has for many decades provided a crucial link between the artists, the art form, and the American and Indian audience in this country. I have been in contact with him in connection with the Ali Akbar College and World Music Institute. We hate to think of the field of Indian music being deprived of the service he has so ably carried out for the last few decades. Singlehandedly he has given a great deal to the field of Indian classical music.
It would also be apropos to note the contribution of Sam and Louise Scripps. They funded and organiized the Center for World Music in Berkeley (since defunct) which gave Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Nikhil Banerjee, Mahaparush Misra and Balasaraswati the first teaching opportunities which led to the establishment of the Ali Akbar College and was the genesis of much musical activities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Daniel Birch Vadya Nipun Sarod comments : While your article is very informative, with the exception of a few Indian Classical musicians of non-Indian origin, they are most notably conspicuous by their absence. It is, I think, important to recognize that there are a number of highly accomplished Indian Classical musicians, who are not ethnic Indians. Therefore, the "Globalization" of Sangit should not mean merely the tours of visiting or resident ethnic Indians in western nations. Nor should it mean the handful of academic institutions which have added Sangit to their courses. Devoted and talented musicians of non-Indian ethnicity deserve and need recognition and support, not only in western nations, but in India as well. That is globalization.
Thank you for the detailed report on ICM and activities for all of us.
I would like to appreciate your highlight on Higgins Bhagavatar. Higgins Bhagavtar glorified Carnatic music and pictured India positively. Hats off to him. By the time I realised this and wanted to salute him he is no more with us.
Krishnadas M Pai comments : I have been browsing the i-net for many months and today I read your article. Thanks a lot for your exhaustive information. My wife & I lived in the US for 10 years. Because of her yearning to learn & perform HCM, we returned to Bangalore. In six years she learnt HCM(Kirana & Gwalior Gharana) & has given about two dozen solo concerts in Bangalore, & North Karnataka. Now she has composed famous Ghazals by Mirza Ghalib, Kaif, Mir etc. to pure HCM style and is going to give a solo concert of one hour HCM & one hour of Ghazals in HCM style on Oct 15, 2005 at Shikshakara Sadan, Bangalore. I gave up my lucrative sea career in Merchant Navy to give full support to her. She is a US Citizen and if you can arrange her concert tour in US/Canada, she would do it for the love of music & on your terms. Best Regards
I have experienced the hard work you and your wife put into bringing Classical Music concerts to Pittsburgh. I moved to Boston in 1994 and have been learning music from visiting musicians as well as teaching music to keep in touch with the precious tradition. I have also interviewed many artists and have published them for a newspaper called India New England which has a readership of 8000 people in the New England region of U.S.A. Please visit my website www.shuchitarao.com for a link to these articles. I wish your organization the very best and salute your tireless work in preserving Indian Cl. Music in the U.S.A Regards, Shuchita Rao
Pradeep Sharma Khusrou comments : A wonderful article. I want to know about singers who have sung Amir Khusrou"s Songs,Ragas and Taranas etc.
G. Raman Kumari comments : Dear DR Dixit, It is quite strange !!! You are having such deep knowledge in Indian Music after not being trained . Thank you very much for understanding Indian Arts and reflecting the same in wonderful words. I am really impressed the way it is presented. Thanks, Raman
Puspen Dey comments : I am really thrilled to visit this site but i have some request to you. Respected Sir, I would like to draw your kind attention that I am a professional Sarode Player and giving concerts all over India and abroad . I am going to Boston on 31st Jan'07 for teaching and performence for at least six months duration .I am very much interested to get an oppurtutinity to perform in your society. I am sending my CV for your kind persual .
Thanking you Puspen Dey KOLKATA CONTACT-(033)24167872 BOSTON CONTACT- C/O Dr. DEBOJIT BISWAS. PH NO-617-244-9092
Shobha Jan comments : Dear Dr. Dixit, Your article was extremely "big-picure", well researched and factual. Hard to find. :-) You've given me something of a starting point in my enquiries about the level of interest and expertise of the ICM audience in USA. Incidentally, I wish to ask you/ anoyone else reading this to share with me if they are aware of universities with a research focus on Carnatic Music, rather than Hindustani music. Thanks, Aspiring singer and student of Carnatic Music, Malaysia
CHANDRASHEKHAR RAGHUNATH VAZE comments : Respected,Dr.Dixitji The hardwork you and your wife have taken not just to spread Indian music but to strengthen its foundation in USA , CANADA is really praise worthy and boosting for the one or group of persons who are keen as you. Thanking you. Your's CHANDRASHEKHAR VAZE.
Arup Roy comments : Respected Dr. Dixit I read the article with great interest, and I would like to namaskar(salute )you Dr. Dixit for your many years of work and promotion of Indian classical music . Those of us in the field have long known you as one of the few capable, ethical and meticulous tour organizers in a field where such capability is not common. As such, DR. Dixit has for many decades provided a crucial link between the artists, the art form, and the American and Indian audience in this country. am really thrilled to visit this site Respected Sir, I would like to draw your kind attention The Artist: Arup Roy: is a rare phenomenon in art of North Indian Classical(Vocal)l Music. Throughout, few artists stand out in each generation. They preserve a heritage while defining it anew, focusing its evolution in time . Arup Roy is one of those few. The power and speed combined with the total clarity and sweetness of his singing is unparalleled and speaks of years of back breaking practice; his vast knowledge of repertoire and ability to improvise in every style of vocal music make him an invaluable asset to North Indian Classical Music and a reference for its scholars; the spontaneity and intuitiveness of both his singing and his solo improvisations speak of the depth of his artistry and leave his audiences speechless. Arup Roy is one of the great musicians of our time. The guiding force of Arup's amazing musical journey was his beloved first Guruji Nalini Kanta Chakroborty. His family was full of music and from the beginning Arup was groomed to become a musician. Early childhood lessons were received from Sri Probodh Chakroborty.. He also received last Thirty years of taleem from Sri Bimala Prasad Chatterjee( Rampur Gharana) disciple of Ustad Buniad Hussain Khan, disciple of Ustad Mehedi Hussain Khan of Rampur Gharana. Arup’s solo debut was at age 10. He has since developed one of the most dynamic and rich singing performances of his generation. Infused with the legacy of the Rampur Gharana yet enriched with aspects of Indian Classical gharanas, his performances are unpredictable and extraordinarily diverse. With technical and artistic brilliance he presents some of the rarest and most difficult material in the singing repertoire: this at extreme speeds with uncompromised clarity and beauty. In addition to his vast traditional repertoire, He himself is the composer of countless compositions, through which he explores the edge of possible and makes his timeless contribution to the art from. For the Music lovers of India his singing is the pinnacle. As a vocalist, Arup made his India debut in 1975 with one of the greatest musicians in the history of Contemporary Indian Music. In addition to performing on the great stages of all over India, Arup had the honor of perform at the Hall of Hermony, Pondicherry, House of Sri Aurobindo Ashram (Kolkata and Pondicherry), The Great Swami Vivekananda Birth day ceremony Festival ( Belur Math) and many other North Indian Classical Music Festival in India. From the very beginning, great musicians, scholars, and music lovers have appreciated and praised Arup's music. In honor of a lifetime of effort and achievement, Arup has received many awards and honors
With due respect, Thanking you. Your's Arup Roy e-mail:- .tilottama_neha_roy@yahoo.co.in or mobile no. 9332128616.
Anup Ghosh comments : I am a tabla player from India touring now in my solo concert and workshop tour in USA.I have gone through this article written by Mr. Dixit.He has done an execellent job for the promotion of the Indian Classical Music,the ancient and rich culture of the world since the vedic civilisation.Everyone should read this article so that they could konw about Indian Classical music , ICM organisation in USA and the Musician those are taking part to promot ICM in abroad. Thanks, Anup Ghosh 47,Trilok Apartment 85,I.P.Extn, Patparganj Delhi-110092 India Tel.-011-22242637(R),9818217877(M)
Arun Kumar Pal comments : Dear DR Dixit, Respected Dr. Dixit It is quite strange !!! You are having such deep knowledge in Indian Music after not being trained . Thank you very much for understanding Indian Arts and reflecting the same in wonderful words. I am really impressed the way it is presented. Thanks The Artist: Arun Kumar Pal: is a rare Tabla player(Farukabad Gharana) in art of North Indian Classical Music.Descipal of Sri Nani Gopal Kolay and Pandit Sujit Saha(Farukabad Gharana) and also 1st class(gold medelist )(artist of Kolkata Dooradarshan) from focusing its evolution in time . Arun Kumar Pal is one of those few. The power and speed combined with the total clarity and sweetness of his tabla playing is unparalleled and speaks of years of back breaking practice; his vast knowledge of repertoire and ability to improvise in every style of tabla playing make him an invaluable asset to North Indian Classical Music(Tabla) and a reference for its scholars; the spontaneity and intuitiveness of both his playing and his solo improvisations speak of the depth of his artistry and leave his audiences speechless.unpredictable and extraordinarily diverse. With technical and artistic brilliance he presents some of the rarest and most difficult material in the playing repertoire: this at extreme speeds with uncompromised clarity and beauty. In addition to his vast traditional repertoire, He himself is the composer of countless compositions, through which he explores the edge of possible and makes his timeless contribution to the art from. For the Music lovers of India his playing is the pinnacle. As a tabla player Arun made his India debut in 1970 with one of the greatest musicians in the history of Contemporary Indian Music. In addition to performing on the great stages of all over India,with accompanied Arup, had the honor of perform at the Hall of Hermony, Pondicherry, House of Sri Aurobindo Ashram (Kolkata and Pondicherry), The Great Swami Vivekananda Birth day ceremony Festival ( Belur Math) and many other North Indian Classical Music Festival in India. Arun's father Sri Durgapada Pal was a National teacher(Awarded by Govt.of India). With due respect, Thanking you. Your's Arun Kumar Pal e-mail:- .tilottama_neha_roy@yahoo.co.in
Saubhagya comments : i m from india .if yr organization will like to organize a indian classical flute concert .i would like to send you the biodata of the artist pt.sunder lal gandharv who is agreat flautist of india.
Drkrishna Vageesh comments : dear dixitji, namaskar. it is indeed very interesting going thr;u the writeup.u richly deserve to be congradulated for all that u are doing for the propogation of indian music. i am drvageesh from india.i am working as director-prog- karnatic music in all india radio .the well known public service b'caster. iam a science graduate with master's degree in karnatic music [mysore univ-topper] and have a doctorate in music.i am also a performing artiste[karnatic vocalist] of repute having participated in prestigeous music festivals.i visited france under the govt of ind cultural exchange prog.i also give lec-dems on various aspects of music for selected audience.i have many honours, titles and awards to my credit. i am writing this mail to know whether there is any oppurtunity for me in any univ/ dept there for a teaching assignment- no matter even for a short term or concert oppurtunities. i am sorry to bother u. i shall b greatful for ur kind reply. u may even tell me which other univ that i may contact in this regard.
hoping to hearing from u. with kind regards vageesh
Sangeet Vibhusan Pandit Kamal Mishra comments : respected dixit ji saadar namaskaar.i have a great proud to know about your services in the field of classical music,i am a world class north indian classical violinist.i want to perform in your organization to show my presentation of violin with newtecnic,i have preformed in most of the countris and in world fiddle fest in in newyork.i am vocalist too. i have reasearced a classical taan namely MEGH GARJAN TAAN.i want to show it in any comming function,no any other musician has done this before.you can also see my web and lition my a piec of violin web--kamalmishra.com/i hope you will arrange one programme in pitsburg and give a chance to take darshan of you.i live in newyok as a music director in shikshayatan cultural center.my cell no 917-346-2362 thanking you in anticipation aapka darsnabhilaasi pandit kamal mishra
PARTHAPRATIMROY comments : dear and rsptd dr dixit i am asitar player and ateacher of economics i am working on the future of indian classical music -in india and abroad with emphasis on marketing of such music . i have sent my bio to u with request for programs i feel that i have the ability to explain and cary out my research work on the same if u help me with information i need to do the same your article is highly informative ,interesting and hope proper attenriion shoiuld be given to your advice parthapratimroy sitarist
Parthapratimroy comments : excellent work by you dr dixit it helps me much in my research i am now inb europe tour partha
I am a classical instrumentalist ( sitarist & tabla solo artiste ) from Kolkata . I have performied in various musical progammes organised by Ramkrishna Mission , Swami Vivekananda Society , Art of Living , Bhawanipore Northern Park Durga Puja festival and others.
I am a disciple of Pandit Soumitra Lahiri ( sitar exponent ) I am also a post graduate in Commerce (M.Com ) , also a post graduate diploma holder in financial mangement.(PGDFM) I have got my sangeet Bhushan from Prestigious Prachhen kala kendra . I am also Life member of Calcutta Cine Musicians' Association as a sitarist.I have received my grade from All India Radio ( Kolkata )on tabla .
I have a future plan to propagate Indian classical Music all over the world , specially in America , Europe & Asian countries. I want to perform sitar recital and tabla solo to grab the attention of the creative and music loving people there.
I am really overwhelmed to visit this beautiful site . Indian classical music is gaining its popularity abroad with the hands of few organistion like yours.I wish you a very big success of your objectives .
