This evening, seated on a coir mat in Bimba Art Hut, I was soaring quite high as Dr John Napier played breathtakingly beautiful notes on his Cello.
Dr. John Napier is an ethnomusicologist and a performing classical musician. He is currently in Bangalore on sabbatical from University of New South Wales, Australia, where he is Head of School of Muisc and Music education. He has spent over fifteen years studying and performing North Indian Music. He also has traditionally learnt to play the cello, and is a unique combination of being an academician and performer to hilt.
Deepak, founder, Bimba Art Hut, introduces Dr John NapierRecently, Dr Napier studied the Jogis of Rajasthan and the ritualistic music of the Kodavas of Karnataka.
Between his beautiful cello renditions, John Napier transported the audiences to the sand dunes of Rajasthan, where the Jogis sang about Lord Shiva in tune with the dulcet sounds of the Sarangi instrument. The Jogis were householders who were often said to be cattle healers. They had a unique style of their own and through their singing, a unique fable would unfold. Into this folksy traditional setting, they would introduce a little bit of modern muse, picking up anything from current events, gossip and interactive interludes.
Cut to the vibrant sylvan hills of Coorg where the Kodavas beat to the 'dudi' (drum), singing in praise of their ancestors. John Napier explained that the Kodava singers would often sing in pairs, and had to be quite accurate with their historical facts, else they would be corrected by the opposite pair. Apparently the Kodava music score often shadowed the singing, and one had to listen with a keen ear to catch the lyrics in the background.
Dr John Napier's program was arranged under the auspices of the Bimba Art Foundation, which is a registered charitable trust. The beautiful art events and creative exhibitions of this Foundation are open to all. The founder Deepak and his wife Deepika (herself a classical Bhartanatyam dancer) are dedicated to bringing individual artists, and artisans from various urban and rural backdrops, to public notice. While the founders are using their own means to keep Bimba Art Hut alive and active, voluntary donations (eligible for 80G exemption) are also accepted.
Under a muted backdrop of textured fabric and golden light of brass lamp, Dr John has the audience spellboundBimba studio premises is situated at 42 Ratna Vilas Road, behind Netkalappa House, Basavangudi. The Bimba Art Hut is situated in 4th Block, Jayanagar. The Foundation holds events every Sunday at 5.00 PM. Please do visit this wonderful place and soak in some lovely ethnic decor. It's certainly a reflection of the simple, yet sophisitcated nature of the founders. Write in to bimba@vsnl.com or contact Deepak at 41489354
Here are a few more pictures taken at the event:
John Napier is being interviewed by Dr Shanti Raman, herself an avid connoisseur of arts
The beautiful exhibition of dolls at the Bimba Art Hut
A tree, a bamboo mat and a painted bell lend a rustic touch to the Hut
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