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MADRAS MUSIC MELA 2001

• When was the Indian Fine Arts Society (IFAS) started?

We started the Sabha in 1932, and this is our 69^th year. Initially the Sabha was conducting its programmes at Gokhle Sastri Hall and then we shifted to Vani Mahal. After that we continued to organise our programmes at the Sankaradas Kalaiarangam. Now for the past 10 years we are conducting our programmes at German Hall, T Nagar.  

• Who are the founders of IFAS?

The founder secretaries of Indian Fine Arts were B Gopalakrishna Rao and Mysore T Chowdiah. I joined as a volunteer in 1943 and was a committee member for a few years, and now it is 35 years since I have served as the secretary of the Sabha.  

• Any particular reason for starting the Sabha?

RR Sabha and the Music Academy catered to South Madras, but there were no Sabhas in North Madras. Therefore we started IFAS.  

• What are the general objectives of IFAS?

To organise music and dance performances and dramas. We also conduct music and dance competitions every year, and the winners of these competitions are given opportunities to perform in our Sabha during the music season.  

• How are you different from other Sabhas?

We celebrate the birth centenaries of the Music Trinity and other composers periodically apart from the music season. We conduct lecture demonstrations on different topics related to music, musical instruments and dance. Not many Sabhas are doing these kinds of lec-dems. Otherwise there is not much difference between us and other Sabhas.    

• What is the award that you give and what does it carry?

The award that we confer on musicians is ‘Sangeeta Kala Sikhamani’. We also honour dancers or dance teachers with the 'Natya Kala Sikhamani'. The award consists of a shawl, a gold medallion of about one soverign and a cash prize of Rs. 6,000 for musicians and Rs. 5,000 for dancers.  

• What is the criterion on which artistes are chosen for this award?

The artistes are chosen on the basis of popularity, their scholarship and their performance experience.  

• Did you have any new concepts/concerts during the music season?

No, we didn't really have anything unusual during season 2001.

Posted on February 4th, 2002

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