New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS): A staggering 70 performances by over 450 artists will feature at the 'I Believe #ArtMatters' gala on October 4 to raise resources and provide the much needed support for India's artistes and artisans, as well as celebrate their craft and tradition by highlighting their stories at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives irrevocably and the art and cultural sectors continue to face its devastating consequences.
"As a part of the larger advocacy and fund-raising programme for artists and artisans 'I Believe #Artmatters' has created a platform for artists to experiment, collaborate and create work in these difficult times and help raise much-needed resources for those in distress. We at #ArtMatters along with the entire artist community, appeal to each of you to donate and share their support," Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said, at a virtual press conference here on Tuesday to announce the event.
The gala will witness some new and exciting collaborations. Eminent music director, composer and singer Shekhar Ravjiani and the internationally acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir, along with the multi-talented screenplay writer, story writer, lyricist and film director Anvita Dutt will be collaborating for the first time on a brand-new composition for I Believe #ArtMatters.
Trayam, a music ensemble made up of classical musicians B.C. Manjunath, Praveen D. Rao and Varijashree Venugopal, will debut their track, 23, in collaboration with acclaimed musician, Pramath Kiran.
Legendary Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer and philanthropist, A.R. Rahman will perform with The Sunshine Orchestra, a symphony orchestra spearheaded by the A.R. Rahman Foundation that is dedicated to lifeskill development of children from economically underserved sections of the society through music education.
The "Paganini of Indian classical music", Dr. L. Subramaniam and the much-loved and feted playback singer, Kavita Krishnamurthi, will also come together for a special collaboration and appeal to the masses to donate and support the arts community.
Grammy award-winning percussionist, Pandit Vikku Vinayakram, along with his exceptionally talented sons, V. Selvaganesh and V. Umashankar, and grandson Swaminathan will showcase their musical prowess with a breath-taking performance as 3G. It'll be a celebration of Indian classical music with deep roots in Indian culture in which three generations of a gifted family perform together as a testimony to their unmatched musical dedication.
Speaking about the current situation in the Indian art sector, FICCI Secretary General Dilip Chenoy said: "The pandemic has impacted the Indian creative and cultural sector. As per recent reports 41 per cent of the creative sector has had to stop functioning during the lockdown period. FICCI, Indian industry and I Believe #ArtMatters, and we need to support artists and artisans in their time of need."
The gala will be broadcast on Teamwork Arts' Facebook Page, YouTube Page and on BookMyShow.