Sandeep Gurrapadi and Nina Kanter have been invited to present at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg, Germany for the Global Art Song Conference. For Further Information: http://divan-of-song.com/

Twentieth Century Art-song in India: Exchanges and Hybridities

This research presentation offers an exploration into the presence of Western classical art song in India over the past 150 years. By weaving together disparate strands from across the country, this paper aims to uncover a small but cohesive narrative, demonstrating a continuous though nuanced thread of this art form in India. The initial focus of the presentation will be on the historical presence of Western classical music in India, primarily during the colonial era and its aftermath. This period marks the some of the prominent Western musical influences in Indian culture, albeit in isolated instances. The paper will also highlight how these early introductions, often overlooked, laid the groundwork for a unique but less recognized aspect of India's musical tapestry. The paper pays special attention to the role of colonialism in this cultural exchange, examining both the complexities and the creative outcomes of this intersection.