RASIKA RANJANI SABHA

One of the oldest sabhas in the city, Rasika Ranjani Sabha has been a catalyst in promoting classical music and dance in the region. Besides hosting concerts of renowned musicians and dancers, the sabha conducts music classes for vocal and a few select string and percussion instruments.

Established in 1930, the sabha has been the venue of several memorable performances by doyens of music - Musuri Subramaniya Iyer, Ariyakudi Ramanunja Iyengar, Palghat Mani Iyer, Mannargudi Sambasiva Iyer, Rajarathinam Pillai, Mysore Duraiswamy Iyengar and Balakrishna Sastrigal. Apart from its usual monthly programmes, the sabha has been conducting an annual Music and Dance Festival in December and a dance week during the Navarathri celebrations.

Renowned artists currently in the field of music and dance including K.J.Yesudas, T.V.Sankaranarayana, Madurai N.Seshagopalan, Nityashree Mahadevan, Padma Subramaniam and Hyderabad Brothers give performances at this sabha every year. At times the hall is packed to overflowing and some listen to the concert from outside. Krishna Premi Swamigal's discourse is an annual feature.

Every year the sabha honours an artiste with the 'Kala Ratna' award. The award carries a medallion, shawl, a citation and a cash award of Rs.25, 000/- that is given on the inauguration day of the December music season. The previous awardees have been M.S.Subbulakshmi, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, D.K.Pattamal and Balamuralikrishna.

It has also been the mission of the sabha to conduct an exclusive music festival for the youth, in which more than a dozen artists participate every year. To give a fillip to the sagging drama industry, the sabha frequently conducts "Nataka Vizha" (Dance Festival) in August. During the drama series, veterans in stage drama are honoured. Recently, K.S.Nagarajan, a drama veteran was honoured with a shawl, a citation and a cash award of Rs.5,000/-.

Address: Rasika Ranjani Sabha, 1, Sundareswarar Street, Mylapore,
Chennai 600 004.
Phone: 494 1767.

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