Wed Dec 10 20:17:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Chennai’s Music Academy, a premier institution for Carnatic music, is embracing change as it prepares for its 99th annual music conference and concerts. The Academy is shifting away from its traditionally conservative views by inviting A.R. Rahman to inaugurate the event, following in the footsteps of Ilaiyaraaja. This reflects broader changes in the Carnatic music scene, where the language of performance is no longer a barrier and Tamil songs are gaining prominence. The older generation of musicians is fading, replaced by cosmopolitan, Chennai-groomed artists who collaborate across genres, experiment with new forms, and perform for diverse audiences. The rise of digital platforms and the need to adapt to evolving audience preferences are pushing artists to explore collaborations and tailor their performances. The article also points out that the connection between Carnatic music and cinema has existed for a long time, and that A.R. Rahman played a role in influencing South Indian film music.
News Article:
Chennai Music Academy Embraces Change, A.R. Rahman to Inaugurate 99th Annual Conference
Chennai, December 11, 2025 – In a move signaling a significant evolution in the world of Carnatic music, the Chennai Music Academy has announced that acclaimed music director A.R. Rahman will inaugurate its 99th annual music conference and concerts. This decision highlights a departure from the Academy’s traditionally conservative views and reflects a broader shift in the Carnatic music scene.
The Academy’s decision to invite A.R. Rahman, following Ilaiyaraaja in 2017, underscores the growing acceptance of innovation and collaboration within the Carnatic tradition. The language of performance is evolving, with Tamil songs gaining prominence alongside traditional Telugu and Sanskrit compositions.
This change is driven by a new generation of Chennai-based musicians who are cosmopolitan in outlook. They are increasingly engaging in cross-genre collaborations and experiments, spurred by the influence of digital platforms and the need to connect with wider audiences. This has opened up new avenues for Carnatic music, with artists like Band Cooum and A Carnatic Quartet integrating folk traditions into their music.
The collaboration between Carnatic music and cinema, particularly influenced by A.R. Rahman’s contributions, is also playing a role in the music genre’s evolution. As live concert attendance shifts in the digital age, artists are adapting to meet the preferences of the music-listening audience.
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