Table of Contents
History
The Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam (CTU) was formed in 1977 with the purpose of promoting charitable, educational, and cultural activities. The organization was founded by Prof. T.E.S. Raghavan and Tyagaraja Rao. Prof. Raghavan, the current Chairman, is the guiding light for the organization. CTU celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2001.
CTU is a 501(3)(C) non-profit tax-exempt organization registered in the US state of Illinois.
Mission
CTU’s mission is to
- Promote South Indian classical (Carnatic) music and traditional Indian dance forms in the USA
- Propagate these arts among the next generation of children in the United States.
To this end, CTU sponsors several events during the year. These include the annual music festival during the Memorial Day weekend (Utsavam); music camps and workshops, where established musicians from India work with young students in the Chicago area; music competitions, in which all participants are inspired and motivated while the talented are recognized; and regular practice sessions throughout the year for various group performances and recitals. These are but some of the wide range of activities organized by the CTU.
Code of Conduct
Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam (CTU) understands that serious accusations of sexual misconduct have been raised against certain high profile classical artists. CTU expects our Board of Directors, teachers, volunteers, attendees, participants and artists to adhere to a social code of conduct that is in alignment with our human and cultural values. CTU will take all reasonable and appropriate remedial steps within CTU’s ability should there be socially or culturally disruptive behavior that causes emotional or physical harm to anyone around us.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam does not discriminate against any person, population group, or organization with regard to categories protected by applicable United States law. These categories include, but are not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), gender expression, physical appearance, language, education background, national origin, age, disability, and/or veteran status. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all interactions including hiring/employment practices and provision of services. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for those who require them for medical and/or religious reasons.
Privacy Policy
Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam places a high priority on protecting the information that our subscribers choose to share with us. This policy explains what types of information is collected by the Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam, and how the information is used.
Individuals that sign up to receive Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam communications and e-communications voluntarily provide us with contact information (such as name, telephone number, address, and e-mail address). The Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam may use this information for specific, limited purposes, such as to provide subscribers with updates and information about Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam events. At times, these communications and e-communications may contain advertisements, but Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam will never share, sell, or rent subscribers’ information to anyone. Subscribers may always choose to opt out of Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam communications and e-communications.
Please find below the different ways of opting out of communications from Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam.
- Send an e-mail to the address provided on the Contact Us page with the word “Unsubscribe” in the subject line
- Follow the instructions to unsubscribe at the bottom of the e-mail sent via Google Groups
- Send a signed letter to the mailing address provided on the Contact Us page
- Unfollow the social media handle for Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam
Present & the Future
Started in 1977 with an attendance of about a dozen people, the Utsavam has grown enormously in size. In recent years, more than 300 amateur musicians perform on stage with attendance exceeding 6000. CTU is a not-for-profit organization that is supported by a grant from Illinois Arts Council (a state agency) and donations from well wishers. One example of a remarkable contribution is from Drs. Nagamani & Vidyasagar Dharmapuri who have been kind enough to pay for the three day auditorium expenses for hosting the Utsavam for the next 10 years. CTU is grateful for their magnanimity. The organization manages to host quality programs on very limited budgets as it is predominantly run by a team of dedicated volunteers. Every year, roughly 3 months prior to the Utsavam, CTU hosts an Annual General Meeting where persons from the public, who are active at the Utsavam, are invited and provided a forum to present their views.
#CTU2017, the 41st Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam will be held over four days:
- Memorial Day Weekend from Sat, 27 May 2017 thru Mon, 29 May 2017
- Saturday, 3 June 2017
The festival will be held during the Memorial Day weekend and the weekend that follows. We welcome everyone to attend and actively participate in the festivities on all days. Please mark your calendars for this multi-day festival of music, dance, food and many activities that involve the children, youth and adults of all ages from multiple communities.
CTU never rests on its laurels. It is always looking to new ideas for promoting our art and culture. “Our goal is to provide everyone an opportunity to learn our heritage and be proud of it”, says Dr. Raghavan.
CTU Turned 40 in 2016
Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam celebrated its 40th year anniversary in 2016 over a nine-day period from Saturday, 28 May 2016 through Sunday, 5 June 2016. The festival was held during the Memorial Day weekend and the weekend that follows with programs in the evenings during the weekdays as well.
Click here to view the 40th Year (2016) Program Schedule
Contributing to CTU
Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam relies on your continued support to organize various events around the year including the Memorial Day Music festival. Please find various ways to support CTU by volunteering or through through individual and corporate sponsorships.
Connecting with CTU