Indian Conservatory of Paris hosts Tyagaraja Aradhana in the city of lights

The vibrant blend of Indian and French cultures at the annual Tyagaraja Aradhana in Paris, hosted by the Indian Conservatory of Paris, was a celebration of music and partnership.

On a serene Sunday morning, the Paris Town Hall transformed into a vibrant microcosm of Chennai, as the unique and annual Tyagaraja Aradhana, organised by the Indian Conservatory of Paris, unfolded. A beautiful blend of Indian and French cultures, the event had attendees donning vibrant silk sarees and crisp kurtas, and performances that reflected the diversity of the audience.

The day began with the young talents of the Indian Conservatory of Paris (ICParis) singing the Geete, setting the tone for a spirit of togetherness. The atmosphere mirrored the excitement of revered musical gatherings of Chennai, bridging continents and cultures. That the chief guests — the Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, Jawed Ashraf, and the Deputy Mayor of Paris 16, Samia Badat Karam — were visibly moved by the performances is a testament to the universal appeal of Indian classical music.

The Indian Conservatory of Paris was founded in 2015 by Bhavana Pradyumna and Pradyumna Kandadai to promote Indian classical music, dance, and art in France. Since then, the organisation has done immense work in bringing together artistes, training and teaching classical music as well as in collaborating with agencies and governments to promote Carnatic Music and Indian arts to the world audience.

This year, the Tyagaraja Aradhana in Paris had two main highlights. S Sowmya, the Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu University, performed at the event accompanied by the renowned Embar Kannan on violin and the celebrated Neyveli Narayanan on mridangam.

The artistes delivered soul-stirring renditions by Purandara Dasa’s Sharanu Siddhivinayaka, Tyagaraja’s Marugelara, and Dikshitar’s Meenakshi Memudam, among others. The highlight was Tyagaraja’s Jagadananda Karaka; as its first uplifting notes rang out, the hall was enveloped in a profound musical embrace.

At the heart of the Aradhana were the Pancharatna Kritis — five masterpieces by Saint Tyagaraja that transcend borders and languages, holding a revered spot in Carnatic music. Performed by the students led by S Sowmya and Bhavana Pradyumna, the renditions captivated the audience, transcending language barriers and showcasing the universal appeal of Carnatic music.

The event celebrating music and culture marked a significant milestone in the journey of cultural exchange. This was formalised by the signing of an MoU between the Indian Conservatory of Paris and the Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University, The MoU authorises the conservatory to offer diploma courses and certificates in Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and tabla, affiliated with Tamil Nadu University.