Music and Dances in Chennai

Chennai or Madras is also known for the classical Indian dance. Music and Dances in Chennai is the important part of their culture. Bharatanatyam is the official dance of Tamil Nadu. An important cultural centre for Bharatanatyam is Kalakshetra (Sanskrit for “place of the arts”), located on the beach in the south of the city. It is a cultural academy for preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. The importance of music and dances in Chennai is proved by the importance of the music academy. Moreover, Chennai celebrated a week long music season. Besides, the people in Chennai celebrate music and dance festival in Chennai during mid December to mid January.

Music in Chennai

Madras Music Academy, or simply Music Academy, is one of the premier and early Music Academies in the South Indian city of Madras, now Chennai. It plays an important role in encouraging and promoting primarily the Carnatic Music south Indian art form.

Every December, the city of Chennai has its five week-long Music Season, which has been described as the world’s largest cultural event. The Music Season was started in 1927, to mark the opening of the Madras Music Academy. It used to be a traditional month-long Carnatic music festival. But later it has also diversified into dance and drama, as well as non-Carnatic art forms. The traditional role of the Music Season is to allow a span of Carnatic music to appreciate performances by renowned artistes. It also provides a good opportunity for promising young artistes to display their talent and skill.

Music and Dance Festival in Chennai

Chennai music and dance festival is held during mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai. It celebrates classical music and dance of South India (Carnatic Music) The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various sabhas or organizations.

The ‘Margazhi festival of dance and music’ started early back in 1927, to commemorate the anniversary of Madras Music Academy every December, was later adopted by various organizations which held art festivals in different parts of the city. Performances include Vocal and Instrumental music, Dance – solo and group, both by junior and senior artistes. Budding artists also get an oppurtunity to show their talent along with well-established artists.