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The Music Circle has been the leading force in bringing the finest
Indian classical music and dance to Southern California since its founding
by Ravi Shankar and Harihar Rao in 1973.
Our mission is to foster awareness, appreciation, and understanding
of the classical music of India—one of the world's great musical
treasures—by providing a supportive and inspiring platform for the
its leading exponents, especially for those emerging and acclaimed artists
destined to be tomorrow's masters.
During a typical season, The Music Circle presents 6 to 8 concerts
between September and June by established masters as well as lesser-known
but very talented younger artists. In addition, we produce occasional
festivals, workshops, events in cooperation with other organizations,
and community outreach programs.
Our culturally diverse membership attests to the universal appeal
of Indian music. Each season, members number about 300-400 people with
a shared enthusiasm for the arts of India. (Click
here for information about membership.) In
the days of princely India, maharajas and nawabs supported classical musicians
and dancers and their families. With the decline of the princely lifestyle,
patronage of classical arts passed to small groups of connoisseurs who
jointly sponsored performances of the classical art, rescuing these priceless
traditions from oblivion. These groups—called kacheri in the
south and mehfil in the north—were the nurturing audiences
for the next generation of artists.
In that spirit, the Music Circle supports Indian artists by providing
a serene and comfortable concert atmosphere with meticulous attention
to detail, making every performance an auditory and visual joy for both
artist and audience.
Volunteers make our programs possible, providing invaluable assistance
with production, administration and community out reach. (Click here
for information about volunteering.)
The Music Circle Board of Directors generously donate their time,
drawing from their professional and corporate experience to organize fundraising
and guide our public relations. (Click here
to see a list of current board members.)
The Music Circle is a California nonprofit, tax-exempt organization,
with no paid staff or directors. A part-time paid consultant provides
vital administrative assistance. Since our low ticket rates do not cover
the costs of our presentations, we depend entirely on grants
and the generosity of people like you to meet our expenses.
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For further information, e-mail us at MusicCircle@aol.com
or call us at 626-449-6987.
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