The Indian Performing Arts Convention (IPAC) returns to Melbourne from 18 – 26 May for a celebration of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. Audiences can expect breathtaking performances, collaborations and insightful talks by acclaimed musicians and dancers from across India, Singapore, and Australia at Monash University Performing Arts Centres (MPAC).
With its wide ranging events and workshops, the nine-day convention is designed to be enjoyed by all, including audiences who are new to Indian music and dance. IPAC promises to inform, inspire and delight the senses with its world-class musicians and dancers. Program highlights include:
Presented by MPAC Three Bright Stars features leading lights of Indian classical arts, Dr. S Sowmya, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi and Rama Vaidhyanathan, coming together for the first time in a grand concert highlighting popular and rare compositions in celebration of Carnatic vocal and violin music and the Bharatanatyam dance form. The trio will be supported on mridangam by Australia’s legendary percussionist Ravi M Ravichandhira OAM. Three Bright Stars will premiere exclusively at IPAC Australian on Saturday 25 May.
Dr. S Sowmya (pictured left) is the recipient of several prestigious awards and titles having received the Sangeetha Kalanidhi title by Madras Music Academy in 2019 and the Isai Perarignar by the Tamil Isai Sangam in 2022. She was appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu as Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University.
Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi (violinist) is a fifth-generation musician of the illustrious Lalgudi bani. As a violinist, she performs solo, duet and collaborates with artists across genres. With a sparkling four-decade-long journey in music, Vijayalakshmi has received a slew of awards and accolades, including the most prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi by The Music Academy.
Rama Vaidyanathan (dancer) is a leading exponent of Bharatanatyam, a popular classical dance form of India. She has trained intensively under the legendary dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy and the renowned Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. While deeply rooted in tradition, she has evolved her own individual style without forsaking the core principles of Bharatanatyam. Rama is a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the Govt of India.
Indian Performing Arts Convention
18 – 26 May
Monash University Performing Arts Centres
Address: 49 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton
Bookings here
