Kathak by Gauri Diwakar Ji in Dehradun- 24th to 27th August 2015

Dear Friends

As you are aware that SPIC MACAY has been earnestly striving to bring country's finest art forms to the students of the country, In the same endeavor, we are pleased to inform you that SPIC MACAY Dehradun will be getting Gauri Diwakar ji, one of the leading  Kathak exponents in India, to perform and teach the students of Dehradun.

Gauri Diwakar is a renowned Kathak dancer whose command over the art has won scores of admirers across the globe. Gauri’s  journey started from Jamshedpur where she learned Kathak by Ms Sumita Chowdhary and received Sangeet Prabhakar from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad.

She was also trained by Legendry Guru Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj and Shri Jai Kishan Maharaj at the national capital's Kathak Kendra. After graduating with distinction from Kathak Kendra, Gauri further perfected her skills under renowned exponent of Kathak, Ms Aditi Mangaldas. Currently, Gauri is a senior member of the dance repertory of Drishtikon Dance Foundation, led by Ms. Aditi Mangaldas.

She has performed across the globe a number of times including various national and international dance festivals. In 2008, she was awarded the prestigious 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. She was also awarded with Sringar Mani award in 2002.

An 'A' Grade artist with the national broadcaster Doordarshan, she is credited with a number of noted solo performances. She is also an empaneled artist with Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Gauri is also passing on her skills by training young students and thus helping to keep the age-old tradition alive.

Here is the complete schedule. Please JOIN US...!!!

Pt. Ritwik Sanyal in Dehradun on 28 & 29th July 2015

Dear Friends

SPIC MACAY Dehradun is pleased to announce  resuming its activities after summer vacations by conducting a series of Dhrupad  by Pt. Ritwik Sanyal for the students of Dehradun.  

Pt. Ritwik Sanyal  is an Indian classical singer, performing the Dhrupad style, and a professor of vocal music and Ex Dean at the faculty of performing arts at  Banaras Hindu University. He received his training in Dhrupad under Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and Zia Fariddudin Dagar. Pt. Ritwik Sanyal received the highest award for music in India, Sangeet Natak Academi Award from President of India Hon. Shri Pranab Mukherji in 2013 and has been performing world over for more then 30 years.

He will be with us in Dehradun on 28 and 29th of July. Do Join Us...!!!

Naya Theater by Habib Tanveer in Dehradun...!!!

Dear Friends,

Naya Theater was in the town for about almost 10 days. Habeeb Tanveer's theatre troupe enchantting the youth in and around Dehradun with their two satirical musical comedies...Both the plays namely Ponga Pandit and Sadak had social messages to convey....Ponga Pandit exposes the rituals that are meaninglessly followed by the bhramins and Sadak talks about the problems faced by the government in development and how the local tribes suffer ... All in a comical and musical way with the rawness of Chattisgarhi dialect...

NAYA THEATER--

Naya Theatre was founded in 1959 by the late director Padma Vibhushan Habib Tanvir ji. As an ad-hoc organisation comprising folk artists from the remote tribes and villages of Chattisgarh, located in Tanvir’s home region of Chhattisgarh. He was awarded with the prestigious Padam Bhusan award for his efforts in promotion of folk theater in the global platform through Naya Theater.

PONGA PANDIT--

The play Ponga Pandit is accused of being — no prizes for guessing the charge — anti-Hindu. The play is critical, but not of Hinduism. What it does take on, with its combination of pure fun and social incisiveness, are aspects of our society that need critiquing as often as possible, and from as many points of view as possible. The caste system; superstition; priest craft; Brahmanism; and untouchability. Any self-respecting Hindu would be indignant if told that this is what constitutes Hinduism.

SADAK--

Sadak, a short play, is a comic critique of “development” that ravages villagers, tribal people, their land and their culture.

Here is a glimpse of the plays:-

Join Us. Call @ 8057992213- Amit, 7895002957- Abhishek
or write us at:- spicmacaydoon@gmail.com
Visit:- http://www.facebook.com/Spicmacay.Doon

Madhavi Mudgal Ji's Circuit in Dehradun...!!!

Here is a glimpse of Madhvi Ji's recently concluded circuit which was full of beautiful performances.

She unfolded the recital with the traditional invocatory Mangalacharan .Her disciples performed a Nritta Piece Pallavi in Ragamalika set to Talamalika. This piece was choreographed by Madhvi Ji.The young disciples were very graceful and nimble while they performed their Guru's composition...

A Nirtya item by Madhvi Ji bringing out the Rasa and Bhava was the central piece.The episode of Krishna in the disguise of an Altawali entering into Radha's place being narrated by Radha herself to her friend set to an Oriya poetry was enjoyed by one and all....

The concluding piece was Moksha performed by Madhvi Ji along with her disciples to the Vedic chants symbolised how an odissi dancer trancends the physicality in the mundane world and tries to get a salvation through her art...

Have a look at pictures too. Hope you all like the efforts... :)

KATHAK by Gauri Diwakar in Uttarkashi...!!!

Hello Friends

SPIC MACAY Dehradun presents KATHAK by Gauri Diwakar in beautiful mountains of Garhwal region in Uttarkashi form 15th December to 18th December.

Have a look at this...

ODISSI by Padam Shri Madhvi Mudgal Ji...!!!

Dear Friends

Here comes an another very beautiful circuit by SPIC MACAY Dehradun Chapter presenting ODISSI by Padma Shri Madhvi Mudgal from 15th December to 18th December 2014.

Please have a look...

Geetanjali Acharya performed ODISSI in Haridwar...!!!

Earlier in November, Geetanjali Acharya gave government school children a brief introduction to ODISSI through workshop-demonstration module. Students enjoyed it very much and learn whatever they could manage to gather in that much time.

She performed in 10 schools across Haridwar region.

 Geetanjali Acharya is one of the senior disciples of “Srjan” and had her initial training under Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. Latter She received the benefit of learning under the guidance of the great Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and had her special training in Odissi Dance.

At present she continues her learning under the able tutelage of Guru Ratikant Mohapatra. Geetanjali completed her Nrutya Shastri Purna recognized by Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy. She has performed in several dance festivals within and outside the state of Orissa, being part of Srjan’s repertoire group.

 Besides, being a dedicated and promising Odissi dancer she is a student of + 3 III years, Arts. She has been designated for her sincere caliber by her guru Shri Ratikant Mohapatra in Srjan to teach the junior students. She has also received last year the National Scholarship in Odissi dance from the Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India.

Madhvi Mudgal, An exceptional Odissi Maestro in Dehradun...!!!

Odissi Dance to be performed in Dehradun from 14-18th December 2014

SPIC MACAY Dehradun is delighted to announce upcoming performance circuit of Madhvi Mudgal Ji from 14th December onwards.

Madhavi Mudgal epitomizes the elegance and sophistication that are the result of blending modern sensibilities with the ancient ethos of eastern India to create the highly lyrical dance art of Odissi. Born into a family deeply involved in propagating the classical arts, Madhavi was immersed in music and dance from a very young age. With every opportunity to learn the arts, Madhavi trained in Bharata Natyam and Kathak under great gurus and performed these dance styles to acclaim. Later she turned to Odissi which she adopted as her preferred medium. Her introduction to Odissi took place under Guru Hare Krishna Bahera who trained her in the fundamentals. Later she came under the tutelage of the renowned Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.

Madhavi's command over the nritta or purely ornamental aspect of Odissi is striking. Her delicate postures and strong rhythmic footwork combine in an appealing flow of sculpturesque movements. Her subtle abhinaya (the expressional aspect of dance), musical knowledge and aesthetic sense add to the highly distinctive character of her recitals.

Through teaching, performing and conducting workshops, Madhavi has been actively involved in propagating the art of Odissi in New Delhi and other parts of India as well as the world. She has trained a number of accomplished students who are performers in their own right. In nineteen eighty five she organized a seminar and festival, Angahaar, a first of its kind event in New Delhi when gurus, scholars and dancers met to revisit the origins of Odissi and think about the future trends of the dance form. She also directed and produced a short audio-visual documentary that was screened at the festival.

Waiting anxiously for the thrilling performances... You all are requested to Join...

Join us as volunteer. Write us at spicmacaydoon@gmail.com or Call 8057992213(Amit) 7895002957 (Abhishek) 

Hungarian Ensemble KAKIKS performed in Dehradun...!!!

What a beautiful music by the Kakiks,the Hungarian folk percussion ensemble who performed for the students of Selaqui World school,Asian School and the Welham Girls'!!!!

Every folk tradition potrays the feelings and emotions of a common man in a lucid manner.So does the Hungarian Folk tradition...

The rich rhythmic melodies were from various parts of Hungary suitable for dance were from Moldavia,Carpathean Basin,Transilvania,Transdanubian Hills and the Southern Great Plane of Hungary.The kakiks transported the students to Hungary itself through their repertoire.

Whether it was a song of a peasant or it was that of a soldier or an outlaw,all those were rich in bringing out ecstasy,joy,celebration and jubilation....

Their typical and native instruments like the Herdi Gerdi,The Gordon and the Hungarian Drums along with Violin,Viola,Cello,Lute ,Bagpiper and various types of flutes were a real treat to ears and eyes.......

Hungarian Ensemble KAKIKS performed in Dehradun...!!!

A letter from HEADMASTER Selaqui International School...!!!

SPIC MACAY DEHRADUN, provided SelaQui International School the opportunity to play host to Hungarian percussion band,” Kákics”. The band was dressed in traditional Hungarian attire and carried instruments alien even to seasoned musicians. The Indian Traditions were ceremoniously conducted and revered by men foreign to our land, creating a bond even before the start of the program. The team comprised of Ákos Tárnok, Tibor Lendvai , Lajos Kiss, Árpád Horváth,and Norbert Nagy and used traditional instruments of countryside Hungary like double-bottomed Moldavian Csángó drum, hurdy-gurdy and the Gordon.

Artist honored by Headmaster at Selaqui International School 

The Multipurpose Hall was a tempest of applause and each performance was celebrated. Language seemed not to be a barrier while the melodies and the synchronized harmony had the audience enthralled. The icing on the cake was a dance gig performed by lead vocalist Akos Tarnok . Each piece was graced by a prelude read in English by Norbert Nagy with a tinge of Hungarian influence detailing the performance and also enlightening us about the instruments in use. Most of the song was influenced by strong rural settings and folk songs of Hungarian countryside dealing with love, separation and joy.  

The mesmerized audience was privileged to hear a presentation in addition to what the band had originally planned, as they were humbled by hospitality. Indeed it was an evening when one was transported to Hunger instantaneously, an evening when Music was “Manna” for SeQuins.

P.S:- Thank you so much Selaqui Internation School for your constant support. We look forward to many more concerts in your school.

Dr. Kiran Seth, Our beloved Founder's Visit to Dehradun...!!!

Dehradun, 22^nd Nov: Dr Kiran Seth, the founder of SPIC MACAY addressed the teachers and students of several schools at Welham Boy’s School today.

Kiran Seth is an Indian academician who founded SPIC MACAY in the year 1977. It is a nonprofit organization which promotes Indian classical music, Indian classical dance and other aspects of Indian culture amongst youth. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India for his contribution to the arts.

The welcome note was given by Principal Welham Boys’ Gunmeet Bindra who threw light on Dr Kiran Seth’s accomplishments and welcomed teachers and students from various  schools.

The talk was attended by eminent guests such as Piya Thakur, Ajanta Goswamy, Bhumesh Bharti, Madhvi, Rajen Brijnath, Ajay Shar

ma, Sangeet Kalra and Ankit Babbar.

The schools which participated in the talk were The Himjyoti School, The Asian School, Bala Hisar Academy, Welham Girls’, Carman Residential & Day School, Ecole Globale International Girls School, The Doon Girls’ School, The Asian School and The Little Flower School.

Mrs. Vidya Vasan welcoming Dr. Kiran Seth at Welham Boys School

A movie on SPIC MACAY, Discover yourself was also screened on the occasion to motivate the students and encourage them to join the cultural movement. Bhumesh Bharti presented a photo journey of all programs organized by SPIC MACAY throughout the year.

While addressing the students, Dr Kiran Seth said, “SPIC MACAY the acronym for The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth is not just an organization but a mass movement. For it to succeed, we require long distance runners. It will only be successful if people participate in large numbers.”

He further highlighted on the importance of Yoga and other means of connecting to one’s soul. He suggested the students to chose any one endeavour and practice it daily. This he added is a mantra for one’s success. He emphasized on the relationship between creativity and classical art. He during his talk shared several personal experiences with the students in order to the motive of his mission. 

“We should target to achieve the subtlety of mind. We need to sharpen our souls in order to achieve what we desire and exposure to our culture helps largely in this.” He further added.

The vote of thanks was presented by Lalit Mohan.

The event was coordinated by Abhishesk. Secretary SPIC MACAY Dehradun Vidya Vasan was also present on the occasion.

Ritesh Rajneesh Mishran in Dehradun... 17-19 November 2014 !!!

Friends,
Ritesh and Rajneesh Mishra with their enthralling voices and awesome music are going to perform for the students of various schools of Doon from 16th to 19 th of this month....

‘Mishra Bandhu’ Ritesh and Rajnish Mishra , are one of the leading upcoming vocalists in the country today .Duet singing in the Indian Classical Music is considered a very difficult art, for it requires not only individual competence but, great amount of self-control to improvise and harmonize at the same time. The maestros duo Ritesh-Rajnish Mishra have put in every thing to achieve such excellence under the guidance of the ever great, Padma Vibhushan Pt. Rajan Mishra (Father) and Pt. Sajan Mishra (Uncle) of the Banaras Gharana,
The Artist brothers along with their academics (Delhi University) have been learning music since their birth with sounds of Tanpura, Sarangi, Tabla and voices of forefathers vibrating in their home and surroundings. Gifted with a very pleasing voice and sensibility for musical notes they toiled through the strenuous music sessions over the years. With focus on performance factor the duo brothers touch the listeners’ heart with melodious voice and sensuous application of notes. Skilled with rich knowledge of Indian Ragas the duos render Khayal, Tappa, Tarana Bhajans and other classical forms, casting a spell on the audience.
They have performed at most prestigious concerts all over the world. Their work with famous composer Micheal Nymen has been released as an album (SANGAM) selling worldwide. They have sung 3rd track “Mahadeva” in the album called ‘Rise’, that has been nominated for the prestigious ‘Grammy Awards’. They have given background score to the audio book by Penguine & ANB publisher.
They are ‘A’ grade vocalists of All India Radio and Television. They have been awarded the prestigious ‘Yuva Ratna Award’ for the year 1999. They have also received the prestigious “Bhavishya Jyoti Award” for the year 2007. They have received the prestigious “ Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Award” for the year 2008. They have recently been confered with "Sangeet Samriddhi Samman".

So, you all are coordially invited. Anybody who wish to join us can contact on spicmacaydoon@gmail.com.

Gurbani by Prof. Alankar Singh

We would like to inaugurate the New Year with the auspicious Gurbani by Professor Alankar Singh!

Prof. Alankar Singh has been working as Asst. Professor of Music (Vocals) in Punjab University, Patiala. He started learning music at the tender age of four years. He received training in Classical (Vocals) Music and Gurmeet Sangeet under Guru Shishya Parampara, continuously for about eleven years from Gurmat Sangeet Acharya Late Professor Tara Singh Ji, a renowned musicologist and composer, who belonged to Gwalior tradition of Khayal Gayaki.

He was selected under the Cultural Talent Search Scholorship Scheme by the Center for Cultural Research and Training, Government of India, in the field of Classical (Vocal) Music and got National Scholorship during 1985 - 1993.

Besides being an expert in Notation, Music Composer and Music Arranger, Alankar Singh is an approved artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan for Classical Music, Shabad Gayan, Bhajan, Geet and Ghazal singing.

Alankar Singh has given more than 300 public performances of Gurmat Sangeet and Classical Music. He has the privilege of performing at four  Takhats of Khalisa Panth. U.K. based Channel Punjab did video recording of 13 Shabads in prescribed Ragas in 2006 & 2007 and has been regularly telecasting these since then in Europe.

Please check the calendar on the right hand panel for details of the venues along with date and time!

SPIC MACAY NATIONAL SCHOOL INTENSIVE

Schedule for Webcast is as follows 

24-Dec-11

• Welcome Address, Orientation and Session on Christmas 1:30pm to 5pm
• Concerts: Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Us. Abdul Rashid Khan 6 pm to 9:30 pm
25-Dec-11
• Intensives with Maestros 9 am to 12 pm
• Talk: Smt. Shanta Serbjeet Singh 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Concerts: Sh. Venkatesh Kumar and Pt. Birju Maharaj 6 pm to 9:30 pm
26-Dec-11
• Intensives with Maestros 9 am to 12 pm
• Folk: Smt. Reshma Musale (Lavani) 1 pm to 2:30 pm
• Concerts: Pts. Rajan & Sajan Mishra and Sh. Kalamandalam Gopi 6 pm to 9:30 pm
27-Dec-11
• Intensives with Maestros 9 am to 12 pm
• Folk: Smt. Manjusha Patil-Kulkarni (Natya Sangeet) 1 pm to 3 pm
• Concerts: Dr. N Rajam and Sh. Uday Bhawalkar 6 pm to 9:30 pm
28-Dec-11
• Intensives with Maestros 9 am to 12 pm
• Talk: Sh. Dadi Pudumjee 1:30 pm to 3 pm
• Concerts: Vd. T.N. Seshagopalan and Sh. Bahauddin Dagar 6 pm to 9:30 pm
29-Dec-11
• Intensives with Maestros 8:30 am to 11:30 am
• Intensive presentations 11:30 pm to 1:30 pm
• Concerts: Prof T.N. Krishnan, Vid. Shruti Sadolikar, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and Vid. Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm

In The Hills of Garwhal - Mahua Shankar and Spicmacay Doon Team

We are happy to let you know that SPIC MACAY ,Dehradun conducted a very special concert tour by Mahua Shankar , who gave  nine Kathak recitals in different parts of Garhwal between the 9th and 13th of December.

Eight of the concerts were held in schools of Rural Garhwal where a SPIC MACAY concert took place for the very first time .

She reached out to thousands of fascinated students ranging from a Primary School in Gauchar to the trainees of ONGC at Dehradun . Seven  of the venues were Govt Schools /Institutions 

After several years  , SPIC MACAY held a concert at the very prestigious HNB Central Garhwal University at Srinagar. 

As you can see from the photographs , Mahua and her team performed close to Badrinath and Kedarnath ! 

Our volunteer Lalit Mohan who initiated , planned and followed up the entire tour called it ' Paharon ki god mein '!

A new and enthusiastic volunteer Parvez Ahmed ( based in Srinagar ) accompanied the artistes throughout the tour and we are hoping to do a similar circuit in Chakrata and Tehri early next year . 

Since April 2011 , SPIC MACAY has conducted 223 events in Uttrakhand ,reaching out to more than 1 lakh students .

With best wishes  for the season and the new year !

Purulia Chhau Dance

The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant and colourful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.

Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa and Shenai.




In a Chhau Dance the fight between good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil. The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and shenai, characterise the Chhau Dance.

A distinctive feature of this dance is the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are the other features of this dance.

The masks help the dancers to portray different characters. There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters. There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger, bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.

One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durgatinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.