Katcheri

A kacheri by Rama Varma

A kacheri is an assembly of musicians and audience in the context of Carnatic music. It is presented in the concert format. The music fraternity of connoisseurs and common people assemble at the katcheri venues to listen to classical music concerts of vidwans.[1][2] Etymologically the word "katcheri" is derived from Urdu language and in Hindi to mean a court of law.[3]

Vocalist Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar (1890–1967) established the modern kacheri (concert) traditions in Carnatic music.[2] Among the women artists, M.L. Vasanthakumari and D.K. Pattammal pioneered the promotion of kutcheri culture.[4] Among the most notable vocalists the first woman artist to receive the highest civilian award of Bharat Ratna in 1998 was M. S. Subbulakshmi (1916–2004);[5] who had started her career with her very first katcheri given when she was just 15 years old. It was a big hit among audience and music critics.[6]

  1. ^ Menon 2004, p. 21.
  2. ^ a b Subramanian 2008, p. 47.
  3. ^ Subramanian 2008, p. 49.
  4. ^ India Today International. Living Media International Limited. January 2004. p. 20.
  5. ^ Santosh 2015, p. 12.
  6. ^ Gangadhar 2002, p. 20.