The International Foundation for Carnatic Music (IFCM) is a non-profit organisation whose main motto is 'Service to Music; Service through Music.' The IFCM not only endeavours to foster one of the world's greatest melodic art forms - Carnatic music, but also strives to promote mutual appreciation, goodwill and peace between peoples of diverse countries and cultures. It has constantly aimed to de-regionalise and de-religionise culture and has sought to benefit people from all walks of life.

Founded by Ravikiran in 1990, with the musical legend Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer as its first president, the IFCM has embraced an imaginative 3-E formula of Exposure, Education and Excellence, and has pioneered several projects that have set benchmarks in the world of culture. It has endeavoured to complement the work of like-minded organisations and has collaborated with many of them in areas of joint interest.

Recent and Upcoming Events

Navavaranam course in Chennai & Los Angeles (2007): The IFCM proposes to conduct a special course on Navaratri eve in Chennai on Sept 23, Sunday on "Kamakshi Navavaranams of Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi". The course will also be conducted in Los Angeles between Oct 2 and 5. Students interested in joining this 1-day, 2-session course can email us.

Special summer camp in San Diego,CA by IFCM, USA: This summer camp, in July 2006 received an overwhelming response from students and music lovers. Ravikiran was assisted in this camp by Akkarai Shubhalakshmi (violin). Recordings of the master classes are available for students upon request, strictly for personal progress.

Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi Festival, Aug 2007: The IFCM also presented a day-long festival on Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai, on August 18. A publication on the composer, titled, Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi - Life & Contributions, authored by Ravikiran, was released on this occasion.

Objectives

The IFCM's primary objectives are:

· To promote and project the system through concerts, lecture-demonstrations and workshops.

· To set up Centres for Musical Excellence in various parts of the world with a standardised syllabus accompanied by qualitative guidance.

· To create Departments of Carnatic music in important Universities in the world.

· To encourage research in areas of artistic innovation such as Melharmony as also areas of historical significance, such as works of composers like Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi and areas of social relevance, like musopathy.

· To present and preserve music through publications and audio, visual and electronic productions.

· To recognise and bestow awards on musicians, artisans and others who have served the music field over the years.

· To promote talented artistes with performing opportunities and enable them to train under great masters.

· To use music to serve society in various ways through charity shows or productions.

· To carry out any other activities to facilitate the above objectives.

The subsequent pages provide a brief outline of some of IFCM's projects and activities. To get more information on IFCM's latest productions, presentations or workshops in various cities in the world via email, please join our mailing list.