MYLAPORE FINE ARTS CLUB

Maharajapuram Santhanam, Semangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Madurai Mani Iyer and M S Subulakshmi thrilled audiences at this venue.... It is here that veteran violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman gave his first solo performance.... It is also a place that was liked by the legendary Ariyakudi Ramanunja Iyengar, who always made it a point to perform here twice a year. Mylapore Fine Arts is one cultural institution that remains a favourite with the doyens of music, dance and drama.

Started in the year 1951, with a very small number of members, at the Vivekananda College Auditorium, the venue was shifted to the present premises at Oliver Road, Mylapore. The Late Maharajah of Mysore Jayachamaraja Wodeyar declared this auditorium open in 1959. Even though the premises has been on lease since 1958, the landlord S.R.Pankajam allowed for the building of a superstructure for the convenience of members and the public.

For the last four decades, the club has been the venue for the most popular Tamil dramas run by late S.V. Sahasranamam, the irrepressible `Cho' Ramaswamy, R.S.Manohar, K. Balachander, `Major' Sundarajan, Visu and `Kathadi' Ramamurthy.

The sabha usually conducts two dramas and a concert or dance every month. In December, an art festival is held, featuring dance, drama, music and harikatha. Initially the festival was only for 10 days and later with the patronage of members and sponsors, the festival for the last few years, has been organised for nearly 35 days.

The sabha encourages young talent in the field of music and dance during the festival season. Concerts and dance programmes of the present day top ranking artists are also featured. During the music festival season, the sabha honours artists of high repute with the Sangeetha Kala Nipuna title. More than 20 artists have been honoured this way in the last two years. Cash awards to three artists have also been given, considering their service to the cause of music.

The sabha also conducts music competitions (vocal and instrumental) in October and November each year and prizes to the winners are given on the inaugural day of the December Art Festival.

Address: Mylapore Fine Arts Club, 16, Musiri Subramaniam Salai, Chennai 600 004
Phone: 499 7755.

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