SU to present a South Indian musical odyssey Nov. 3

SU to present a South Indian musical odyssey Nov. 3October 28, 2004Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

Syracuse University will present a unique performance by Sri Umayalapuram K. Sivaraman and troupe on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Maxwell Auditorium. The performance will feature Indian musicians who will play select pieces in the rich tradition of Carnatic music, a popular form of music from South India.

The repertoire will include musical and rhythmic exchanges between the violin and jalatharangam-a tonal musical instrument played by striking a set of sticks on a set of 12 porcelain cups filled with water to different levels. Other musical selections will feature percussion instruments common in India such as mrudangam, ghatam, thimila, edakka, chenda, panchavadhyam and thayambaka.

“SU has never had this variety and array of percussionists in one program,” says Carol M. Babiracki, associate professor of music history and culture in SU’s Department of Fine Arts. “This performance is unique because of the caliber of musicians. Sivaraman is considered one the best South Indian drummers alive today.”

In addition, there will be a thani-aavarthanam percussion solo, a traditional hallmark of typical Carnatic music. The sanku (conch) and elathalam (cymbals) will also be featured. Songs to be performed include a variety of Rhythmic Cycles (thaalam) and melodies (raagam). The artists will also perform South Indian songs that have a western slant in their composition to bridge the musical divide.

The performance, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by SU’s South Asia Center. The event is organized by SU’s Fine Arts Department and funded by the Division of Student Affairs’ UEncounter.