World Music Day celebrated at stat's only music varsity

MYSORE: Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything - so said Greece philosopher Plato. As an ode to the "biggest gift" of the universe, World Music Day is celebrated across the globe on June 21.
Explaining the story behind the celebrations, Karnataka State Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University's Sangeeta Vidwan Ra Sa Nandakumar told TOI: "In 1976, French musician Joel Cohen organized a concert in France.He called it 'Fete de la Musique', which means the festival of music, and people received it very well. In 1982, another musician Maurice Fleuret, with the help of minister of culture Jack Lang, organized an International Music Day celebrations in Paris titled 'Fête de la Musique'. Ever since the festival is celebrated across the world."
Nandakumar added: "Free concerts are organized on the day dedicated to music. Performers donate their performance and time for free as music, which is 'soul of life'. It is more significant in western countries as noise restriction prevails and people are not allowed to enjoy loud music…"
"It is mentioned in Vishnudarmotara Purana, Shiva Purana and Ganesha Purana that summer solstice is the right time to practice, teach and perform music and arts," Nandakumar added.
The university celebrated the day in grandeur on Friday by holding a series of musical events.
University vice-chancellor Hanumannanayaka Dore said the day is important for them, "as ours is the only music university in the state". "We want to reach out to as many people as possible," the VC added.
The university, established in 2008, started classes for 2010-11 academic year with 69 students. The university has 150 students now. It offers certificate, diploma, bachelors and masters, MPhil and PhD in Carnatic vocal music, Hindustani vocal music, Bharatnatyam, mridangam, violin, sitar, veena, tabala and theatre.