In Retrospect... July-December 2013

Truly, A Year of Positive Changes
To sum it up, it’s been a year of changes but most importantly, one that required the Aamod Centre of Liberal Arts (including ACCEL) to move —yes, change its location, and in particular to Inner Circle in Whitefield, if you will.

Speaking of more changes, Mathilde Legrand too, completed her last 6 months here with a farewell concert that was definitely memorable apart from her direction of the ICAV choir.

Chandashree Roy, disciple of the acclaimed Gyan Prakash Ghosh, began taking Hindustani vocal classes during this time. Takafumi Mori joins us as the new piano teacher from France while Daniel Chakraborty is handling the aspects of marketing and communication.

As for the twice-a-month Limelight performances, here are a few noteworthy performances took place: 
- Marc Behin’s guitar concert 
- a sitar performance by Nikhil Patwardhan 
- a violin and piano duet by Mathilde and Surajit 
- a piano, trombone, cello and violin trio at a patron’s place 
- a harmonica and guitar duo by Saibal and Muthu 
- a Hindustani Classical concert featuring our Kathak students as well as performers such as Smt. Chandashree Roy, Partho Mukherjee, Priyabrata and Nupur Chakraborty.

Yet the icing on the cake was our resident composer, Jacques Petit, who put together the Aamod Orchestra in such a short time. We performed at the InOrbit Mall to the delight of a number of people. Indeed, a milestone for the school that has touched the lives of many for almost a decade now...

ACCEL resumed activities by making a number of visits to the  market, pottery town, brick factory and a village too. This was apart from the usual activities that our parents are familiar with. 

That said, we have opened a daycare centre between 9am-6 pm for children from ages 3-6 years and 4-8 pm for children from ages 6-12 year olds, and in particular for, busy parents.

The Birth of Artea Matters
The conceptualization of ‘Artea Matters’ all began with Sreela and her affection for art, tea, great food and conversation. Yet the fruition of this idea wouldn’t have been possible without the continued efforts of Durga Menon and Ratna Ghose...

A theme that was evident during the first Art Mart, and which also involved showcasing the art work of both professionals as well as students too. To say that it was a success would be putting it lightly, especially since it was the first one of the lot. 

This was largely due to a positive response from both parents and connoisseurs and we thank them wholeheartedly.  Of course, we had a great time conversing about food, music, arts and culture over a cup of tea and snacks too.

Going forward, we would like to include the work of sculptors, photographers among a host of other artistes who continue to enthrall audiences. Yet this event will benefit our students the most, who between the age of 15-17 years, will build their own art portfolios as we recognize the growing need (and a solid future!) for well-groomed professionals in the visual arts. 

With the Art Mart scheduled to take place on the second Sunday of every month henceforth, themed birthday parties for children from the age of 3-9 is also on the agenda— no doubt, an excellent way to spend the day with your child!