Chennai, India – In an unexpected yet fitting convergence of heritage and performance, the Madras MBS Choir, a venerable institution and the nation’s oldest surviving Indian choral music group, recently graced the stage at The Hindu’s "Made Of Chennai" archival photo exhibition. The exhibition, specifically its "Madras On Stage" segment, provided a unique backdrop for the choir, not only as performers but also as subjects of historical display, their own legacy woven into the fabric of the city’s cultural narrative. The event served as a poignant reminder of Chennai’s vibrant performing arts scene and the enduring contributions of groups like the Madras MBS Choir.
A Stage Within a Story: The Choir’s Unexpected Venue
On a recent Saturday evening, amidst a curated collection of evocative photographs chronicling Chennai’s rich performance history, the members of the Madras MBS Choir took their positions. Their stage was not a traditional concert hall, but rather the evocative setting of The Hindu’s "Made Of Chennai" exhibition, an exploration of the city’s cultural soul through its stages and public spaces. The exhibition itself featured a striking photograph of the choir, a testament to their long-standing presence in the city’s artistic landscape.
This particular photograph, captured in December 2008 during a performance in Chennai, held special significance for the choir. Gayathree Krishna, the choir’s secretary, pointed out with palpable excitement that at least seven members present for the exhibition’s performance were also featured in that archival image. This living connection to their past, displayed alongside other historical vignettes, created a powerful sense of continuity and underscored the choir’s deep roots within Chennai.
The Genesis of Indian Choral Music: A Legacy of Innovation
The Madras MBS Choir’s journey began in 1971, founded by the visionary composer M.B. Srinivasan. Srinivasan was a trailblazer, credited with pioneering the genre of Indian choral music. His groundbreaking work involved the intricate fusion of Western harmonic principles with the rich tapestry of Indian musical traditions. This innovative approach laid the foundation for the choir, which has since evolved into a significant cultural movement, dedicated to bringing the unique sound of Indian choral music to a broader audience.
Thirupurasundari Sevvel, the founder of Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai and the curator of the "Madras On Stage" exhibition, played a pivotal role in facilitating this unique performance. Her vision for the exhibition, which sought to document the city’s cultural evolution through its performing arts, found a perfect resonance in the presence of the Madras MBS Choir. The choir’s inclusion in the exhibition, both as a photographic subject and a performing ensemble, highlighted their integral role in shaping Chennai’s artistic identity.
A Diverse Repertoire: Beyond the Familiar
Gayathree Krishna, who has been an integral part of the choir for 25 years, elaborated on the choir’s diverse musical offerings. Their repertoire transcends the conventional boundaries of film music and religious compositions. Instead, it encompasses a wide array of themes, including environmental consciousness, patriotism, and the promotion of social values. This commitment to thematic richness ensures that their music remains relevant and engaging, resonating with contemporary societal concerns. Furthermore, the choir performs these pieces in multiple languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of India and further broadening their appeal.
The current strength of the Madras MBS Choir stands at an impressive 45 members. Their performances are characterized by intricate vocal arrangements, often in a six-part harmony. This sophisticated structure involves distinct vocal parts for both female and male singers: ladies typically take on alto, soprano 1, and soprano 2 roles, while men contribute with bass, mid-tenor, and high-tenor parts. This meticulous arrangement of voices creates a rich and layered sonic experience, a hallmark of their distinctive choral sound.
A Multi-Generational Ensemble: Continuity and New Voices
The performance at the exhibition featured both the children’s wing of the choir and the main ensemble. The younger members opened the musical segment with two songs, followed by two powerful renditions from the senior choir. This intergenerational presentation beautifully symbolized the choir’s commitment to nurturing future talent and ensuring the continuation of its legacy.
Among the current members, some, like D. Ramachandran, have been with the choir since its very inception in 1971. Ramachandran, who joined driven by his profound love for music, spoke of the choir’s unique genre and the profound impact of group singing. "Singing with a group has not just given me energy, but also built my confidence over the years," he shared, highlighting the transformative power of collective musical expression.
The choir members represent a diverse cross-section of Chennai’s professional landscape, including teachers, writers, and corporate professionals. Their shared passion for music brings them together every Sunday for dedicated practice sessions and meetings. This camaraderie fosters strong bonds and provides a therapeutic outlet for its members. S. Janaki, who joined the choir just a year ago, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Singing has helped us form bonds, and this has been therapeutic."
The Madras MBS Choir actively encourages new members to join, emphasizing an open-door policy for individuals of all ages. They are particularly keen on attracting younger generations, fostering a community united by a shared appreciation for music and performance. This forward-looking approach ensures the choir’s continued vibrancy and its ability to adapt to evolving musical landscapes.
"Madras On Stage": A Window into the City’s Performing Arts
The Hindu’s "Made Of Chennai" archival photo exhibition, "Madras On Stage," serves as a comprehensive chronicle of the city’s dynamic performing arts scene. Drawing from the newspaper’s extensive archives, the exhibition presents a captivating array of rare photographs that capture the essence of Chennai’s cultural evolution. The visual narrative spans a wide spectrum of performances and public spaces, offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic soul.
Among the unearthed gems is a rare photograph documenting Russian actor G.M. Pechnikov embodying the role of Lord Rama in a stage production of the Ramayana in 1982. This image speaks to the diverse influences and interpretations that have shaped Chennai’s theatrical landscape. In contrast, more recent photographs showcase prominent figures from the Tamil film industry engaging in protests and solidarity walks for various social causes, illustrating how public stages have also become platforms for activism and social commentary.
The exhibition is more than just a collection of images; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Chennai’s performing arts community and the vital role that institutions like The Hindu play in preserving and celebrating this heritage. The Madras MBS Choir’s presence within this exhibition amplifies this narrative, showcasing a group that has not only witnessed but actively contributed to the city’s rich cultural tapestry for over five decades.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Melody of the Madras MBS Choir
The "Madras On Stage" exhibition, and the Madras MBS Choir’s performance within it, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of choral music in India and the vibrant cultural heritage of Chennai. As the choir continues its journey, harmonizing tradition with innovation, its melodies are set to resonate for generations to come, a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and preserve history.
The exhibition concluded on September 15th, leaving behind a legacy of preserved memories and a renewed appreciation for the performing arts that have shaped Chennai. For those who missed the opportunity to experience "Madras On Stage," further details about the "Made of Chennai" initiative can be found at https://madeofchennai.thehindu.com/. The Madras MBS Choir, however, continues its rehearsals, its voices poised to fill the air with the unique and captivating sound of Indian choral music, a living testament to a rich and ongoing artistic legacy.
