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Hari and his mentor Aruna Sairam, recording their collaboration at the Thyagaraja shrine in Tamil Nadu, with the BBC’s James Birtwhistle
July, swiftly followed by a collaboration for the Radio 3 stage at Womad the following Sunday. Both concerts will showcase what Hari has learned on the Academy: how to present and perform a large scale concert of Carnatic music with a leading artist in his field to a new audience (this will be a Proms debut for Carnatic music!) on the one hand, and on the other to explore his own creativity and find ways in which his music can go beyond the confines of the tradition with a collaboration at Womad with Cuban violin player and jazz musician Omar Puente.
W
When I ask Hari where he sees his music evolving next, he pulls yet another funny (and very radio-friendly) story out his bag. But seeing as I didn’t carry a microphone on me when he told me it, I guess this one is for fRoots readers only.
“Legend has it that two of the original players of the veena were celestial sages, Narada and Tumburu, renowned for their wisdom and mastery of arts and literature. They came to a head as to who was the greater veena player and unable to resolve the matter, they headed for the court of Lord Rama where their prowess on the instrument would be judged in front of the court. Both sages played with great mastery and it was difficult to define who was greater. So Lord Rama called his dear servant, the mon- key Hanuman, to come forward and to play the veena. The sages were appalled that the lord would ask a mere monkey to play and use their divine and precious instruments. Reluctantly and begrudgingly saint Narada handed over his instrument to Hanu- man the monkey who took his seat upon a large rock. He began to play the veena and the music that emanated was so sweet, so rich, so full of devotion to his Lord Rama that it enchanted everyone including the two sages. It is said that as he played, even the rock he sat on began to melt for awe of his devotion and he ended up playing cross-legged on the court floor!”
“Why am I telling you this story? Simply that as much as rules, knowledge, skill and lineage is important, it’s expression, emotion and devotion that is really crucial; not only to the veena but to any art form. I suppose when the Academy ends I need to make a deci- sion as to where I take my music next. I don’t quite know yet. One thing I do know is that moving forward I’ll definitely be staying true to myself and my guru and true to the veena and its traditions no matter how far afield I may seem to have gone.”
Hélène Frisby is Events Producer at BBC Radio 3. For more details on the BBC Radio 3 World Routes Academy, see
www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/worldmusic/worldroutesacademy
F
ith this year’s Academy soon coming to an end, Hari is now preparing for the big finale: two large-scale BBC concerts and certainly the biggest of his musical career yet: a late-night BBC Prom with his mentor, vocalist Aruna Sairam on 27th
Photo: Hélène Frisby
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