A star-studded musical nite under a canopy of stars

Dusk-to-dawn delight

Delighted classical music lovers got to enjoy a line-up of performances which started at dusk on Sunday and lasted till the day broke on Monday.

An all-night concert was organised by Symbiosis School of Media and Communication (SSMC), in collaboration with SPIC MACAY (Society for the promotion of Indian classical music and Culture Amongst Youth). Over 2,000 people gathered on the lawns of Symbiosis International University in Electronics City for the event, entry for which was free.

The concert was inaugurated at 7 pm by renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Other artistes who performed are Magsaysay awardee and celebrated Carnatic vocalist Vidwan T M Krishna, Chitravina player Vidwan N Ravikiran and Hindustani vocalist Pandit Venkatesh Kumar. The event also had a Kathakali performance by renowned Kathakali exponent Kottakkal Chandrashekharan.

It was very much like a picnic under the stars. For the comfort of the audience, instead of chairs, mattresses were provided along with cushions. To shield them from Bengaluru’s chilly nights, blankets were also provided by Symbiosis University.

An amphitheatre-like structure was also created at the back for people to sit and watch. Care was taken to ensure that senior citizens were not inconvenienced. Bio-toilets close to the venue were set up for them, besides tents if they want to rest.

Food was available through the night, with the menu changing every few hours for variety.

Cuisines from Kashmir to Kerala were served. The students of SSMC wanted to make sure that the event was as eco-friendly as possible. In keeping with this aim, kullads (clay cups), steel cups and plates were used, instead of disposable dishes. Nibin Gregory, a student organiser, said, “We have not printed any flexes for the event. We have only used cloth banners. To save paper, we sent out only e-invites, instead of passes.”

They worked with ELCITA (Electronic City Industrial Township Authority) to make it a zero-garbage event.