MUMBAI: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai presents NCPA Living Traditions 2015, showcasing the Folk Music of Maharashtra. The two day annual festival premieres on 13 March 2015 with two documentary screening: ‘Setu: Selective introduction to the vast & varied heritage of Indian folk music’ (1987) and ‘Folk songs of Maharashtra’ (1955). The festival will conclude with a musical presentation led by Vijay Chavan showcasing folk drums of Maharashtra on 14 March 2015.

NCPA head programming–Indian Music Dr. Suvarnalata Rao said, “Maharashtra is well known for its diverse folk traditions emanated from the agrarian community. Folk music and instruments have been an integral part of their everyday life for centuries.  However performance of these forms is restricted mostly in the rural areas and interiors of Maharashtra. As custodians of art and culture, we feel it is our responsibility to showcase these ethnic art forms to a metropolitan audience, thereby bringing it to the forefront of the city’s performing arts landscape. We are assured that the current edition of Living Traditions will bring alive the Maharashtrian culture, giving true insights to its traditions and customs to our Mumbai audiences.”

Maharashtra has been home for vibrant folk forms like powada, bharud, gondhal, lavni and many others. The two documentaries ‘Setu: Selective introduction to the vast & varied heritage of Indian folk music’ (1987) and ‘Folk songs of Maharashtra’ (1955) will enliven these unique art forms in minds of the audience.  The festival will also bring to stage an exclusive presentation by Vijay Chavan featuring instrumental music and Marathi folk forms such as lavni, jagran, gondhal, bhajan, bharud, etc. The leading percussionist will perform with traditional instruments like dholki, dimdi, sambal, dhol, pakhawaj, chondke, tasha, tal, manjira and other instruments like tutari, lezim and ghungroo.

Vijay Chavan is one of the leading exponents of the dholki, the premiere folk instrument of Maharashtra.  He is the son of Sulochana Chavan, the legendary Lavni singer. He has had the privilege of performing with international maestros like Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, George Brooks, Giovanni Hidalgo, Frank Zappa and many others along with the eminent music directors of the Hindi and Tamil film industry.

With all these experiences woven together, Living Traditions 2015 promises an experience which is true to the soul of Maharashtra.