ITC Sangeet Research Academy is a Hindustani classical music academy run by the corporate house, ITC Ltd.[2] It is located in Kolkata, India.[3] Noted musicians associated with the academy include Ulhas Kashalkar, Falguni Mitra, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Ustad Rashid Khan, Mashkoor Ali Khan, Girija Devi, and Subhra Guha. Satyajit Ray, was one of the trustees.[4]
| Abbreviation | ITCSRA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1977[1] |
| Purpose | Hindustani classical music education, research and archives |
| Location |
|
| Website | Official site |
Through this initiative, ITC has played a significant role in the revival and preservation of this rich cultural heritage.[1]
Aim & objective
editThe three primary objectives of ITC-SRA are:
- Establishing an effective training system.
- Rationalizing traditional knowledge through modern research methods and technology.
- Preserving and promoting music.
ITC-SRA offers a secure and comfortable environment for both gurus and scholars, with its training system rooted in the Guru Shishya parampara, enhanced by appropriate modern inputs.[1]
History
editHistory
editITC Sangeet Research Academy was established in 1977 by Ajit Narain Haksar, the first Indian Chairman of ITC Ltd. ITC-SRA initially focused exclusively on training in Hindustani vocal music, recognized as the foundation of all learning in "shastriya sangeet."[1]
The responsibility for implementing the visionary project was entrusted to Pandit Vijay Kichlu, a respected gharane-dar musician with national cultural prominence and over 23 years of managerial experience. Esteemed figures from the world of Hindustani Classical music who aligned themselves with ITC-SRA's mission included Nisar Hussain Khan (Sahaswan Gharana), Hirabai Barodekar (Kirana gharana), Ishtiaq Hussain Khan (Rampur Gharana), Nivrittibua Sarnaik (Jaipur-Atrauli gharana), Girija Devi (Benares gharana), and Latafat Hussain Khan (Agra gharana). They all relocated to Kolkata, contributing to the creation of an institution that embodied the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara.[1]
In March 2002, the Academy expanded its focus to include Hindustani classical instrumental music with the introduction of the Instrumental Division. This division was led by the renowned sarod maestro, Buddhadev Das Gupta.[1]
Facilities
editAt the core of ITCSRA’s dedication to music education and research is its comprehensive library and archives. The central library safeguards a rich collection of books and manuscripts in English, Hindi, and Bengali, preserving India’s musical legacy for future generations. Its archives also hold press clippings, photographs, and valuable details on iconic musicians from across the country.[1][5]
The institution’s Scientific Library offers specialized technical resources on subjects like Signal Processing, Acoustics, and Music Acoustics, catering to researchers and enthusiasts.[1]
Additionally, the music archives and sound studio feature modern recording facilities, fostering collaboration and innovation among musicians, researchers, and students. The Acoustics Laboratory, equipped with advanced instruments and custom software, supports the testing, measurement, and analysis of music and speech, ensuring ITCSRA remains at the forefront of musical exploration and experimentation.[1][5]
Annual festival
editThe academy organises a classical music festival, the ITC SRA Sangeet Sammelan, every year. They also organise the ITC SRA Mini Sangeet Sammelan.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i "About ITCSRA". ITC SRA.
- ^ "Unique music festival". The Hindu. 11 December 2009.
- ^ "The Hindu : Feast of Hindustani music". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/old/ie/daily/19970703/18450513.html [dead link]
- ^ a b "Cultivating class". Hindu. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2024.