The city will host a classical concert with a difference on Wednesday. Singer and musician Vazhamuttom Chandrababu will conduct a three-hour Islamic classical music concert at Muslim Association Hall, Nandavanam, at 4 p.m.
Mr. Chandrababu who has been conducting musical programmes to promote religious amity within the country and abroad for the past six years has now set to tune the teachings of the Koran in Carnatic music.
At a press conference here on Tuesday, NRI Council chairman Pravasibendhu S. Ahamed said while Islamic culture and verses of the Koran found their way into ghazal, qawwali, and Hindustani music concerts, this was the first time that a Carnatic concert would include them.
The concert would also help spread the message that going beyond religion, Koran stressed humanity, he said.
N.K. Premachandran, MP, will inaugurate the concert at 4 p.m. Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran will inaugurate the valedictory of the concert at 7.15 p.m. Leaders from social, cultural and religious arenas will be present.
Anand Gopinath, programme coordinator, said the concert would include compositions written and composed by Mr. Chandrababu himself.
Mr. Chandrababu, music director at All India Radio, said the Islamic classical concert was born of the recognition that while people from other faiths learnt Carnatic music, they did not find platforms to showcase their talent and gain recognition.
He said he hoped his attempt would also help people from other faiths render classical concerts.
Gita Madhu, SNDP women’s wing central committee member, also spoke.
The programme is being held in association with the Vikasam cultural committee and the Thiruvananthapuram Muslim Association.