During the Memorial Day weekend (May 23 – 25, 2009) Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam (CTU), a not-for-profit organization, celebrated its 33rd annual music festival at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, Illinois. The festival is held in honor of Carnatic music composer Saint Tyagaraja (1767-1847). The main goal of CTU is to propagate Carnatic music and culture among the younger generation. Accordingly, CTU places great emphasis on promoting children and increasing their participation. On May 23rd, more than 250 children performed Tyagaraja’s compositions. During the three days, the Utsavam offered more than a dozen events including five concerts by artists from India and two dance performances. For all programs, the combined 
audience head count was around 3600, and the performers’ (professional and amateur) headcount exceeded 550. Over 300 volunteers worked throughout the year to plan and conduct the Utsavam. At no extra cost to the patrons, thousands of plates of meals and snacks were served during the Utsavam. This included home-cooked items prepared by over 125 volunteers for the sumptuous lunch, dinner and snacks that were served on the first day.
The Utsavam started on May 23rd with Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram group recital, followed by a rendition of Chetulara on flute by children trained based on Dr. N. Ramani’s style. This was followed by the rendition of the Pancharatna Kritis. In the Homage to Tyagaraja sessions that followed, Chicago area teachers presented their students through theme-based Teacher sessions, followed by individual performances of the Saint’s Kritis. The day concluded with a Mohiniyattam dance performance “Rama Saptham”, by Smitha Rajan.
May 24th began with Accompanied Performances by advanced students performing with mridangam and violin accompaniments. The next program was a Western style Orchestra of Tyagaraja Kritis by children after which Hari Bhagavathar and party sang Dakshina Sampradaya Bhajans. This was followed by a vocal concert by Sikkil Gurucharan. The day ended with a dance performance depicting the characters of Devaki, Kaikeyi, Andal and Kannagi by Srinidhi Raghavan and Sahasra Sambamoorthi.
The May 26th proceedings started with the glorious rendition of Tyagaraja’s Melukovayya and other Kritis by 110 children at the Rama Sannidhi. Small girls carrying lamps and flowers led the procession which also had a make-shift chariot housing the picture of Saint Tyagaraja with the Nadaswaram music booming in the background. Children performed various Utsava Sampradaya Kritis at periodic stops along the way. The procession weaved its way into the Sama Rathi Auditorium where 83 children rendered the Utsava Sampradaya Kritis for this year on stage. This was followed by a lecture-demo on the distinct emphasis of Trinity on the Carnatic concert pattern by Seetha Rajan. Two instrumental concerts followed — one by Master Satyanarayana on the keyboard and a violin duet by V.V.Subramaniam and V.V.S. Murali. The Utsavam came to a conclusion to the plaintive strains of Gitarthamu from a group of children.
It is notable that all children were trained by 30 or so Illinois teachers, though some students have become veterans of many a summer in India, learning advanced Carnatic music lessons directly from the masters of the art.
Children who performed were rewarded with gifts and certificates. They were photographed and videotaped to make this day memorable for them, and to encourage them in their study of Carnatic music. The CTU brochure Tyagaraja Vijayam was published (predictably featuring some articles by children).
The cost of everything – from artists’ compensations to the cost of rental vans to move the materials – went up significantly in 2009. Fortunately there were funding sources to keep the admission prices at reasonable levels.
This Utsavam was sponsored in part by Nagamani & Vidhyasagar family. Many Annadhatas donated at least $500 each to defray the cost of food. Many corporate sponsors provided matching contributions. The Utsavam was supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a State Agency.
For up to date information on CTU activities please visit Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam. We also request you to share your feedback here.