Ras Barse - 2016

With mixes of styles, trends and tradition, Chennai has always been encouraging all form of music. Though some parts of Chennai, is typically portrayed as the cradle of Carnatic musicianship, there is a family of musicians who broke this stereotype by organizing a grand event, first of its kind, in Chennai, at the Chinmaya Heritage Centre, on 11^th of April, 2015. An event that honored Stalwarts of Hindustani Music, an event to offer tribute to the King of Shehnai – Ustad Bismillah Khan, an event that brought a promise about good music patrons, an event by the students, an event to enunciate Guru Shishya Parampara – Ras Barse – 2015!

Pt. Ballesh, among the handful of disciples of Ustad Bismillah Khan, has, for over 10 years, been training students in Hindustani music. In Chennai, the bastion of Carnatic music! And, many of us might not be knowing about a Hindustani Music School that teaches both vocal and instrumental to the music aspirants. Christening their home at the AVM Street as Shehnai Nivas, the Ballesh Brothers – Shri Prakash Ballesh, Shri Krishna Ballesh and Shri Shiva Ballesh, has always been following the footsteps of their father Shri.Pt.S.Ballesh to pass on the rich heritage of Hindustani classicals and Shehnai to the current generation music lovers through their music academy – Tansen Academy of Music. Pt.Ballesh took up Shehnai as his profession, following his ancestral path.  

The Sanskrit sloka says “Gurur Devo bhava,” meaning “Guru and God are one.” Indian heritage is known for its “Guru Shishya Parampara” method of teaching. Be it your kith or kin, a Guru is given all the respect and dignity he deserves when it comes to the learning of arts.  Fittingly, Chennaites are going to witness another Fantabolus musical retreat of the Hindustani Jugalbandhi and recitals, as a musical tribute to the bade Guru Baabajan, The King of Shehnai – Ustad Bismillah Khan, this November, 2016!

            Let us gear up, roll our sleeves up, to witness the grand event – Ras Barse – 2016, staging this November.

            Watch this space to know more.

Lots of love,

Riya.