In a captivating showcase of musical talent and inclusivity, the Sunny Symphony, presented by the talented children of Srishti Special Academy, Bengaluru, graced the stage under the inspired direction of MD Pallavi, a versatile and distinguished artiste. This unique concert, which marked the inaugural event of the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival curated by renowned musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, was a testament to the profound connections that music can forge when it transcends the boundaries of traditional performance.
MD Pallavi, who also emceed the event, brought a warmth to her hosting that enveloped not only the young performers but also the audience, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experience. Her influence was evident in the concert’s ethos, which was centered on showcasing the emotive power of music when performers are allowed to intimately engage with their songs, building personal connections and creating resonant musical narratives.
According to Gayathri Krishna, founder and managing trustee of Bhoomija Trust, much of the concert’s success can be attributed to Pallavi’s creative vision. She meticulously curated a selection of songs and invited skilled singers Prathima Bhat and Meghana Bhat to instruct the children of Srishti over an intensive eight-week period at the academy’s sprawling campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Their dedication to this project was palpable as the children took to the stage with confidence and poise, showcasing their hard-earned skills.
Reflecting on last year’s Jackfruit Festival, Gayathri recalled, “Pallavi’s performance for Srishti’s children was a highlight, sparking incredible joy among them.” Building on this success, the festival’s team envisioned an even more intimate and transformative experience this year by inviting the same children to perform as the main attraction. This bold move was not only aligned with the academy’s mission to promote inclusion, but it also opened new vistas for both the students and the performers participating in this process of shared growth and learning.
The concert’s repertoire featured an array of songs by celebrated composers and poets. These selections were chosen specifically for the sense of curiosity and wonder they evoked, as MD Pallavi explained. The emphasis was on simplicity and relatability, with songs that were already familiar to the children, allowing them to infuse the pieces with their own personal interpretations.
. This approach resulted in deeply moving performances where the emotional clarity and articulation of the young singers captivated and moved the audience.
Pallavi admitted that while she is not formally trained to work with children who have special needs, she approached them as she would any group of children, recognizing their responsive nature and varying energy levels. “We realized that we didn’t need to do anything particularly different,” she remarked. “They were as receptive as any other children. We just had to remain open to their unique approaches.”
The children’s spectacular performance was further enhanced by the instrumental support of accomplished musicians Krishna Udupa on keyboards and Sumukha on percussions. Their skillful accompaniment allowed the children to explore melodies and rhythms both as soloists and in small groups, each song becoming an exploration of collaboration and joy. The concert’s finale, featuring a larger ensemble, demonstrated the sheer delight the children derived from performing together and underscored the power of collective musical expression.
Festival curator Shubha Mudgal, reflecting on the concert’s success, expressed her particular pleasure in witnessing the transition of last year’s audience members into this year’s performers. She highlighted the importance of fostering inclusivity within Indian music, noting, “I haven’t observed significant efforts towards inclusion in Indian music, nor is there a simple solution. However, it starts with mindfulness and a commitment to deliberate, even if modest, efforts.”
The Sunny Symphony served as more than just a concert; it was an inspiring testament to what can be achieved when music is utilized as a tool for connection, understanding, and inclusivity. It was a celebration of diversity in the truest sense, showcasing the extraordinary potential of every child to contribute meaningfully to the world of music and beyond.
