NEWS - VIEWS - REVIEWS
CARNATIC MUSICIANS - Cricket Match
The men-folk of Carnatic music, after a hectic month of concerts, had a day of cricket and fun at the CLRI grounds on 2 Jan 2001, an annual event for the last five years. This year there were three teams captained by Chitravina Ravikiran, violinist V V S Murari and mridangist Poongulam Subramaniam. Ravikiran's team which had been winning the match for the last three years were runners up this time, with Poongulam Subramaniam taking the trophy this year. Carnatica's correspondent spoke to a few musicians during the match to find out how they feel about it. Excerpts...
Ravikiran (Chitravina artiste): We hit upon this idea sometime in 1992 but have been playing since about 5-6 years ago, regularly, on 2nd January. It is indeed an enjoyable occasion and gives us great relaxation after a hectic series of concerts. I am proud to say that we the Ravikiran XI have been the winning champion for the past 3 years! (laughingly)
V V Subramaniam (violinist. He was just a spectator): In our days, musicians used to play cards once the concert season ended. Now these youngsters are playing cricket. If they could involve music while they play cricket, it would be a new innovation. They could perhaps play Carnatic music records on speakers, while they play cricket.
T M Krishna (vocalist): It gives us great relaxation which is needed after the tight schedule of music concerts. It serves as a community building exercise also. Every one of us needs this kind of activity and we enjoy this game. Even today, I have a concert in the evening, but it didn't stop me from playing.
Umpire: It is very interesting. I am not a musician but associating with these musicians is nice. They mingle with me very well. Even though they are not professional cricketers, they play a serious game of cricket.
V V S Murari (violinist): I am happy about the spirit we have for the game. It is also a team work, just like a music concert.
T H V Umashankar (ghatam artiste): This game is a great joy for us. I wish it continues in the years to come and reaches great heights. It is nice that we all get together and it would be nicer still if the media attended this and gave more coverage.
S Varadarajan (violinist): I work in LIC but I make it a point to take a day off from work. I also do not accept any concerts on 2nd Jan. It is very nice that we musicians meet on this day.
Mannargudi Easwaran (mridangist): We enjoy every minute of this day. Even though I am a middle-aged man, I feel very young when I'm with these youngsters. Every year I attend this match and play without fail. Another interesting thing is that my son and I play in opposite teams!
V K Manimaran (vocalist): After a tight schedule of so many concerts, we are able to relax ourselves during the cricket match. We musicians meet each other through this game. Everybody plays with seriousness and everybody knows cricket.
S Karthick (ghatam artiste): It is a great feeling. After a hectic music season, it gives us an opportunity to relax. It is very interesting that we play with senior artistes. Since we all love cricket, the whole exercise is very refreshing. Among these great musicians, there are great cricketers too.
Poongulam Subramanian (mridangist): I've been playing for the last 4 years. After the music season, it gives great relaxation. Even otherwise, about 20 of us musicians practice cricket from April to September, everyday. We enjoy this game very much. Through these kind of games the relationship between musicians strengthens. So in a way, it is very essential for us.
C A Rajasekhar (violinist): We do not miss this opportunity to meet all the musicians. Actually these many musicians do not get to meet together in one place. So we feel great.
