"Instruments in Indian Classical Music: New Dimensions"

International Conference Report

17, 18 January 2009

Deliberations:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Swaraj Bhawan, Ravindra Bhawan Campus, Bhopal (M.P.)

Ninad Concerts

6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Bharat Bhawan

Madhukali, dedicated to Sangeetendu Pandit Lalmani Misra, in keeping with the spirit of encouragement of its mentor has decided to hold a conference to assess the role of instruments in Indian Classical music.

Indian music is an ever changing phenomenon. New techniques, modified instruments and experiments in teaching contribute to keep it ever fresh. In its aim to recognize these efforts and encourage healthy practices, Omenad with support from Madhukali, Bhopal had organized a Symposium on “Innovations in Theory and Practice of Indian classical music” in December 2007. The contributions and discussions have been published as “Bharatiya Shastriya Sangeet: Shastra, Shikshan Va Prayog”.

The conference planned in January 2009 would assess Indian classical music vis-a-vis its material support – the musical instruments. The first instruments in the Vedic period were simplistic but effective. Medium and content have always contributed to each other’s growth. From a mere supportive role, instruments have grown to attain unique central position. During the twentieth century, several instruments considered suitable for accompaniment alone have been established as primary concert instruments.  In the first decade of twenty first century, technology, political systems and media have influenced process and essence of thought itself. In the post-modern age the form of Indian music practice is definitely undergoing a sea-change. Today when means of creating music are fast becoming more mechanized and automated, the music they create too might involve greater computation than imagination based improvisation. Shall Indian music be able to retain its fundamental rules and appeal? Is it possible to modify musical instruments without performance loss? Do modern music interfaces support essentials of Indian classical music? There are far too many questions than answers.

The objective of the conference would be to arrive on methods by which instruments can be modified through design as well as procurement of raw material to best present the demands of ICM.

Research papers were invited from practicing musicians, instrument makers and scholars that deal with design (ancient, modern and future), manufacture and influence of instruments in Indian classical music.

Prominet scholars who have consented to participate:

Requests for registration as observer, giving personal and institutional details may be sent to omsantoor@hotmail.com before 30th December 2008.

For partner-ship and sponsor-ship click here.

Back to Articles