Bhajans/Krithis Birmingham Balaji Temple 21st Oct 2017

Carnatic-Circle’s Midlands based “Sampradaya” Bhajan group and “Mantrasara” came together to put together a traditional & impressive performance at the Tividale Balaji temple community hall on Saturday, the 21st Oct 2017 (5pm- 7.15pm).

The event was graced by the presence of Tabla Pandit Sandip Banerjee (From Kolkata) and Chief guest – Dr Kanakaratnam (Chairman of Trustees at the Balaji Temple)  who graced the occasion with their presence and support.

The Balaji temple has been ever supportive of our Carnatic based Devotional singing & Bhakthi initiatives and we are very grateful to them and their volunteers who made this event successful in every sphere. Such a unique choir consisting of Adults & Children does not exist in the entire country and it is with utmost pride that we present our Bhajans/Krithis and ensure that we uplift everyone that participate in our community gatherings.

This performance was well received by the audience who came from across the midlands to see us perform. One of the feedbacks that we received from few of the experienced elders was that, we have implemented a traditional system in the same lines as it is done in South India. Below were the songs that were sung as a part of our repertoire at the temple Continue reading “Bhajans/Krithis Birmingham Balaji Temple 21st Oct 2017”

AIKYA – Annual Music & Dance showcase

Carnatic-circle.com and Aabheri Nritya Vidyala come together to present AIKYA – a grand ensemble of Indian classical Bharatanatyam dance and music

AIKYA – Our annual Music & Dance showcase event on 8th October 2017 (4-8 pm) will be one of Birmingham’s biggest event in 2017 for portraying Indian culture & tradition with local upcoming talent in its pristine form. All performances will be delivered by our group of students who come from varying ages, linguistics & background. We all have come forward to perform with utmost fervour.

Tickets can be bought from http://tickets.ruddockpac.co.uk/Sales/events/ruddock-hall/aikya/ticket. This will be an agglomeration of Indian classical Carnatic Music which will be followed by a Tabla Ensemble & Bharatanatyam dance in a concert environment on a professional stage in a hall with renowned acoustics. The Chief Guests will be the Queen’s representative for West midlands – Deputy Lieutenant Gurpreet Bhatia. Guests of Honour are Head of Chancellor from the Indian Consulate Shri S.M. Chakraborty, District Judge Asokan from the Judicial appointments Commission and Sri Harmohinder Bhatia (Upasak Ji) from Sant Nirankari Mission.

All performances will be delivered by our group of students who come from varying ages, linguistics & background. The Vocal music will be accompanied by instruments such as the Sitar, Veenas, Flute, Violins, Guitar & Tabla. Any musicians who are interested to perform are welcome to apply for an Audition. Bharatanatyam performances will be performed with live vocals and music. Carnatic vocal renditions following age old traditions will be sung.

Mark your diaries – 8th October! All are welcome!

Thyagaraja Aradhanai 2017

Solihull Carnatic music Circle will be singing for the Birmingham Thyagaraja Aradhanai 2017. It is scheduled for the 11/12th of March 2017. Please join and be part of it.

The original Thyagaraja Aradhanai is an annual event celebrated on the banks of River Cauvery in Tiruvaiyaru (near Tanjavur) in India. Musicians sit by the samadhi of the Saint and render Pancharatna krithis in chorus in honour of the saint. This spirit of music has spread worldwide. Here is a list of Krithis or Bhajans that we practice. whatsapp-image-2017-02-05-at-11-49-44

Carnatic/Tabla Lessons Solihull/Birmingham

Carnatic music predominantly originates from South India, but has an universal appeal across all sections, language being no barrier. What is Carnatic Music and how is it different from Hindusthani Music?

lessons

Carnatic Vocal – Group lessons are run by Preetha Gopal throughout the week for all levels and caters for Adults and Children. The teaching is based on the age old tradition of learning the Swaravalis and gradually build up to Alankarams, Gitam & Varnams. We maintain a comprehensive Youtube and Facebook channel.

A student will start with learning

  1. Sarali Varisai  (Videos Available)
  2. Janta Varisai – next level (Videos available)
  3. Dhatu Varisai, Mel Sthayi Varisai, Mandhra Sthayi Varisai (Videos Available)
  4. Alankarams, Geethams and Swarajathis
  5. Varnams & Keerthanais

Inorder to maintain some variety, some Bhajans, Abhangs or Shlokas will be added as the classes progress. We run an average of 9 events in a year where students can perform. Students will be comprehensively prepared towards music exams and earn grades. Lessons are also provided via Skype or any other online mediums.

TablaPercussion lessons in Tabla are held as group lessons and are conducted for children and adults. Lessons usually delve into the theory & practical aspects such as Kaydas/Paltas and gradually progressing into taals, Moharas, Mukhdas and Relas. Lessons include theory and the necessary preparation for Grade exams.

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Our students have passed their Tabla Grade exams with flying colours.

All lessons conducted in Shirley/Solihull. Contact/Whatsapp – +44 7906 535762

Daily Shlokas for children

If you are living far away from your culture, then the children at home will only learn and imbibe whatever the parents provide at home. So the primary responsibility for our children are the parents.  Parents are the first friend to a child – so play with them everyday, read books, sing along, leave your Laptops/Phones/Tablets and spend time with them. When time permits, teach them some good values in life. Continue reading “Daily Shlokas for children”

Difference between Carnatic & Hindustani music

A number of people seem to ask this question – What is the similarity or difference between Hindustani and Carnatic music? I try to answer this in a brief manner, though the answer could delve into much more detail which is beyond the scope of this blog. Continue reading “Difference between Carnatic & Hindustani music”

Carnatic Lessons Solihull/Birmingham

Learn the nuances of Indian Classical Carnatic (Karnatic) Vocal singing & Tabla from an experienced teacher hailing from a musical family. Carnatic music predominantly originates from South India, but has an universal appeal across all sections, language being no barrier. What is Carnatic Music and how is it different from Hindusthani Music?

lessons

Continue reading “Carnatic Lessons Solihull/Birmingham”

Your musical gateway to Indian Culture

Namastheysthu  Maha Maye, Shri Pitey Sura Poojithey

Shanku Chakra Gadha Hasthey, Mahalakshmi Namosthuthey

Carnatic music is a powerful universal musical medium that unites, enlightens and transforms. For us at the Solihull Carnatic Music Circle, the innate power of Carnatic music sparked a spiritual awakening that has influenced our lives more deeply than we could have ever imagined. We have since devoted our efforts and talent to providing spiritual enlightenment as a service to the community through traditional renderings of South Indian Classical (Carnatic) music.

Music is not “just music” to us. It is a path to spiritual enlightenment. That is why, we practice music of various forms in order to enhance our ability to connect music to spirituality in unique ways that can help put listeners on the path to their own spiritual awakening. This transformative process, in the end, is the path to achieving your highest potential, reaching a higher plane of knowledge and awareness, and living in peace and contentment.  

For those who desire to nurture and develop their own Carnatic (South Indian style) musical talents, we provide flexible, personally-tailored training/Lessons through the week. The teaching is based on the age old tradition of learning the Swaravalis and gradually build up to Alankarams, Gitam & Varnams. We also indulge in Devotional Bhajanais also called Namasankeerthanam or Pracheena Sampradaya Bhajanai. Join us to learn this art!