Earthlore Music Festival: A Resounding Success in Kochi
The inaugural ARPO Earthlore Music Festival in Kochi showcased Kerala's tribal music, featuring 50 musicians from Attappady and Wayanad. The event included workshops and concerts, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating indigenous heritage.
In May 2022, Kochi became the vibrant stage for the inaugural ARPO Earthlore Music Festival, a unique two-day event that brought the rich, ancestral sounds of Kerala's tribal communities to a wider audience. Attendees witnessed rare musical ensembles featuring tribal musicians from Attappady and Wayanad, regions home to some of Kerala's largest indigenous populations.
Held across the picturesque venues of David Hall in Fort Kochi and KTDC Bolgatty Palace, the festival showcased the talents of the Kattunaykkar musicians from the Wayanad-Kodagu border, led by Mr. Rameshan and Mr. Raghu, alongside the Irula musicians of Attappady, guided by the renowned Nanjiyamma and Mr. Swaminathan.
The festival commenced on the afternoon of May 28th with an engaging musical workshop at David Hall. Designed as a knowledge exchange, the session attracted dozens of enthusiasts, including professional musicians. Tribal communities presented their unique instruments and shared insights into their songs and rhythms. Participants engaged with profound attention, particularly when Mr. Kadan, the Irula community's Cheeni pipe player, demonstrated the intricate circular breathing technique essential to his craft.
The following evening culminated in the spectacular Earthlore Musical Concert at KTDC Bolgatty Palace, featuring nearly 50 musicians on stage. The program blended the authentic music of the Irula and Kattunaykkar communities with folk performances from northern Kerala by Majeesh Karayad and his group. An interlude of popular music was skillfully presented by Charu Hariharan and Srikanth Hariharan. The event, attended by hundreds, resonated so deeply that by its close, the audience was dancing in unison.
This memorable occasion also saw the unveiling of the first season's Earthlore logo and the release of a music video produced by ARPO, featuring the Irular musicians.
The festival was inaugurated by Mr. Binu Jacob, CEO of Experion Technologies, with acclaimed film music director Bijibal gracing the event as Chief Guest. The inaugural Earthlore Music Festival was proudly sponsored by Experion Technologies and supported by Kerala Tourism, marking a significant step in promoting and preserving India's rich indigenous musical heritage.
