The day the music returned to Cubbon Park

Starting today, the Horticulture department and Kannada and Culture department, will present musical Sunday or morning walkers and joggers, free of cost. Horticulture minister Shyamanoor Shivashankarappa will inaugurate the first music concert Udyanadalli Udayaraga' Morning Raga in Park) by renowned Hindustani singer Pandit Parameshwara Hegde and company.
Speaking to Bangalore Miror, Mahantesh Muragod, Deputy Director of Horticulture (Cubbon Park) said, “The proposal which was under consideration has been given the green signal and today it will be inaugurated at the recently renovated bandstand at the centre of Cubbon Park.While we provide space, the Kannada and Culture department will arrange for artists.
The concerts will be held every Sunday between 7.30am and 9am enthralling morning walkers and joggers.“ The music concerts at Cubbon Park triggered controversy about eight years ago when section of joggers raised objections that it would disturb the morning serenity and peaceful ambience. However, following repeated requests by walkers and consultation with experts that such music concerts would not disturb others and the surrounding envi ronment, the government has reintroduced the morning musical concerts. Sources in the government clarified that only classical and light classical music would be allowed during the concert.
Recently, Kannada and Culture minister Umashree revealed that the reintroduction of music concerts is in the pipeline.
IN TUNE WITH HISTORY
Music in public parks of Bengaluru was first introduced way back in the 1920s when Sir Mirza Ismail was the diwan of Mysuru. “It was during his tenure that bandstands in parks and other areas were built with frequent musical concerts by military and state bands. At the Cubbon Park bandstand, the Indian Air Force band used to perform.