Each year from mid-November to January, Chennai Music Festival is hosted in the state of Tamil Nadu. The music festival comprises performers ranging from professional musicians to amateur artists and spans for almost two months. The month-long music festival encourages music enthusiasts to gather and enjoy South Indian music performed by dignified state artists and individuals. Talented young artists also perform at the festival.
The Birth of Chennai Music Festival
Chennai attracts audiences and artists from all over the country this musical season. This festival was inaugurated in the year 1927 by a group of individuals who later on established the Madras Music Academy. South India treats classical music form as a divine concept and it is believed that artists worship music. The Chennai Music Festival fills the air of the city with a musical and jovial mood.
With the passage of time, Chennai Music Festival has grown considerably in terms of popularity and is now considered a cultural event that attracts people from all around the globe. The concerts begin in the afternoon and continue all through the night. The concerts and plays are run across different auditoriums in the city. It will not be too difficult to get suitable accommodation during the Chennai Music Festival, but it is advisable to book a hotel stay in advance.
The Chennai Music Festival previously consisted of only Carnatic music concerts, but through the times it has evolved and diversified in different art forms such as drama and dance. Related to Carnatic art forms, the Chennai Music Festival brings in the spirit of the classical contemporary era. It will give you immense joy when you experience the live performance of such renowned artists.
Best places to visit to experience the Chennai Music Festival
Let’s have a look at some of the best places where you can experience the musical extravaganza.
Barbeque Nation
2nd Floor, Bhimas – Vadaplani West, Chennai
Located in the Bhimas Hotel, it is one of the great places where you can enjoy live performances accompanied by great food. During Chennai Music Festival, the administration invites numerous well-known artists. Experience a thrilling and mesmerizing presentation of musical extravaganza with live shows performed by renowned artists. The Barbeque Nation outlet at Bhimas will give you sheer pleasure with musical performances and most importantly enrich your experience with good food and service.
Blend – The High Energy Bar
No.02 Clubhouse Road, Chennai
Situated at the Taj Mount Road, The Blend is the perfect place to enjoy some time with friends. During the Chennai Music Festival do not miss the thrilling experience and performances done by different musicians. It is a hub of good music, and the ambiance is also uplifting. It is also considered to be one of the most popular places in Chennai. Live music and DJ performances are hosted on Fridays and Saturdays. Also, you can avail of pocket-friendly drinks and beverages during happy hours.
Z The Tapas Bar
TT Krishnamachari Road, Chennai
Located at the Cathedral road, Z The Tapas Bar and Restuarant is a great place to hang out with friends to have a good time along with great music and good food. For music enthusiasts, this place is perfect to experience adrenaline hit. At this time of the Chennai Music Festival, you will find numerous musicians whose playlists are popularly known at the Tapas Bar. The drinks, beverages and awesome food will make the musical experience much more comforting and enriching. The menu might be a bit on the higher side, but the ambiance is worth experiencing.
Music Academy
TT Krishnamachari Road, Chennai
If you are visiting the Chennai Music festival make sure you do not miss any opportunity to visit the Music Academy. Here you will find some of the best musicians and performers of the Carnatic genre. This is one of the oldest and most renowned concert halls in the city and also, the most crowded one too. Enjoy good food and music along with the awesome musical ambiance. Make sure to reach an hour early to get car parking privileges as the venue gets crowded and it sometimes becomes difficult to find a parking spot.
Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall
Chetpet, Harrington Road, Chennai
Located at Nungambakkam inside the premises of Lady Andal School, the Mutha Venkatasubba Rao concert hall is considered to be one of the best concert halls in Chennai. Experience acoustic music and good plays along with some delicious delicacies. It has a large seating capacity of two thousand which gives a great vibe during live music shows.
The Chennai Music Festival is organized throughout the city in different auditoriums and musical venues and is mostly related to the celebration of classical South Indian music, dance, and drama. Numerous artists from the nation participate in the musical festival. These artists travel from across the state boundaries to show their artistic side to entertain and mesmerize the art-loving audience.
The Chennai Music festival is also known as the December season which is a familiar term for international tourists. It is also referred to as the Margazhi Festival by some locals who have derived the name from the Tamil month Margazhi.
