A clarinet maestro and a vivacious comedian are set to regale the Tamil speaking community in the Greater Auckland region early next month.
Muthtamil Sangam is organising a Clarinet concert by A K C Natarajan and Comedy by Madurai Muthu at the Avondale College auditorium on May 5, as a part of its tenth anniversary celebrations.
Sangam President Nathan Saminathan described Natarajan as a ‘living legend known for rendering Carnatic music on the clarinet.’
“He is unique in this form of rendition and recognised in India and abroad for his innovative approach in modifying the instrument and adapting it to Carnatic music,” he said, quoting sources.
Mr Saminathan said that the visiting instrumentalist began performing when he was ten years old and earned the reputation as ‘Clarinet Everest.’
The 81-year-old master is a recipient of several awards and citations including the ‘Sahitya Academy Award’ of the Indian government, ‘Isai Perarignar’ title of the Tamil Nadu government and ‘Clarinet Chakravarthy’ by former Maharajah of Mysore,” he said.
The ‘Sri Lanka Colombo Kamba Kazhagam’ and the Music Academy of Chennai also honoured him with awards.
“Natarajan has given a number of performances in Canada, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UK and US. Muthamil Sangam is privileged to have his concert in Auckland,” Mr Saminathan said.
The programme will begin at 2 pm with items by local artistes, with Natarajan and Muthu performing respectively at 4 pm and 8 pm.
Popular Comedy
Madurai Muthu, as the name suggests, hails from the Temple City of Tami Nadu and learnt different facets of stand-up comedy by hard work and practice.
A postgraduate, he participated and won prizes in several intercollegiate contests and cultural festivals excelling in the art of stand-up comedy.
“Many large, medium and small companies and associations and organisations invite him to perform at their corporate and social functions. He is also a performing artiste in Vijay and Sun Television Channels,” sources said.
What: Clarinet and Comedy
Who: AKC Natarajan and Madurai Muthu
When: Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 2 pm
Where: Avondale College Auditorium
2 Victor Street, Avondale, Auckland
Contact: Nathan Saminathan on (09) 6300970
(09) 6307176 Mobile 021-707540
Email : saminathannz@gmail.com
