It is raining music

Banyan Tree’s annual music festival in Bengaluru, Barkha Ritu, will feature the Trichur brothers and Sanjeev Abhyankar

Barkha Ritu, Banyan Tree’s 23rd edition of its Annual Monsoon Music Festival will feature the Trichur Brothers — Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan (Carnatic) and Sanjeev Abhyankar (Hindustani). They will present classical ragas dedicated to monsoon, and a jugalbandi.

“Indian classical music is related to nature — internal and external,” says Srikrishna. “There are ragas that can invoke rains. The great composer, Muthuswami Dikshitar is said to have invoked rains through his raga, ‘Ananda Amrutavarshini’. Music is also said to control emotions with ragas that can help you sleep, calm down and so on.”

Speaking over the phone from his residence in Chennai, Srikrishna says he does not want share what he will be presenting to the Bengaluru crowd. “That will take away the surprise element.” Having dedicated himself to music from a young age, Srikrishna believes rendering classical music in its pristine form is one of the greatest ways to connect with the audience, irrespective of their age.

“We connect with youngsters through our social media platforms ahead of our concerts and their response and presence at our concerts shows that the youth are listening to classical music.”

To make the concerts more interesting, Srikrishna says, over the past three years, they have been involving the audience in a sing-along for at least one song. “We hum a few phrases of a raga, and ask the audience to follow. The audience sings quite well.”

Bengaluru has their biggest fan base and largest social media following, says Srikrishna. “Bluntly put, our love affair with Bengaluru is a well-spoken topic in the world of Carnatic music. Plus, we believe Bengaluru is one place where you will find a fantastic mixed audience. Be it a Carnatic, Hindustani, jazz or a rock and roll concert, the crowd will be there to enjoy it.”

Bengaluru is moving towards becoming a centre of classical music, Srikrishna says. “Bangaloreans are a super educated lot and are aware of most aspects of fine arts. A four-hour concert, which is a rarity today, will work in Bengaluru.”