ASPIRING and well-known artists from across England showcased their talents in the borough last week as part of a vibrant South Asian music festival.
The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival, which this year coincided with the UK-India Year of Culture, saw aspiring singers, musicians and professional dancers bring to life the songs, rhythms and teachings of Thyagaraja.
Thyagaraja, also known as the singing saint, composed thousands of devotional hymns – most in praise of the Hindu God, Lord Rama, many of which remain popular today.
Taking place at the Dovehouse Theatre in Solihull, the festival was organised by Shruthi UK – a South Asian arts organisation based in Solihull – and brought together people of all ages, faiths and race backgrounds.
The organisation celebrates its 12th anniversary this year and is the brainchild of Chithra Ramakrishnan, who hails from a family of talented musicians and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, (RSA).
Mayor of Solihull, Coun Mike Robinson, said: “Many congratulations to Dr Ramakrishnan and to Shruthi UK for hosting this spectacular and popular event to celebrate the life of the South Indian singing saint, Thyagaraja.
“It’s through such events that we celebrate our respective roots and cultural heritage which enables us to not only learn about each other’s ways of life, but to broaden our knowledge and learning experiences.”
The family-friendly event featured a series of vibrant song and dance performances, speeches from dignitaries, and certificate presentations as well as a South Asian vegetarian meal.
VIPs included mayoral candidate for the West Midlands Andy Street, new Indian Consul General Dr Aman Puri, the Mayor of Solihull Coun Mike Robinson and Lady Mayoress Mrs Jenny Robinson.
Guru Vid Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan – a patron of Shruthi UK’s sister organisation the British Carnatic Choir – was also flown in especially from India to be at this event.
Visit www.shruthiuk.com for further information about Shruthi UK.
