It can be stated with pride that the ‘Suburban Music Circle’ is possibly, one of the oldest Music Circles in India, promoting and propagating Hindustani Classical Music. Prior to the year 1937, music lovers in Santacruz and the neighbouring suburbs had perforce to make their way to the city (presently South Mumbai) to listen to the artistes’ of yester years. Most of the concerts were held at night
, and those lovers of Music who attended the concerts were stranded in the city until dawn due to non-availability of transport. At an informal meeting held on the 20th October, 1936 some of the music enthusiasts residing at Santacruz considered the desirability of founding a music circle with the object of promoting and cultivating the taste for Indian Classical Music among the residents of the suburbs, and a provisional committee was formed for this purpose. However, there was a time lag between the formation of the idea and materialisation, primarily on account of finding a suitable hall. Koppikar came forward generously with an offer of a newly constructed Vimalanand Koppikar Hall for the purpose, and the active functioning of the circle soon became an accomplished fact. The inaugural ceremony of the ‘SUBURBAN MUSIC CIRCLE’ was performed on 22nd February, 1937 by Shri Indranarayan Brijmohanlal, Chief Justice, Court of small causes, a resident of Santacruz, in the presence of a distinguished gathering which included the Hon’ble Shri B.G. The inaugural concert was a vocal recital by Legendary, ‘Gaan Hira’ Smt. Hirabai Barodekar. The first Managing Committee of 12 members was elected in March 1937. Since the beginning, the Circle has been hosting eight programmes in a year, by eminent artistes from all over India. Over the years that have gone by, the Circle has held over 700 concerts, having provided its platform to innumerable artistes of repute as well as budding musicians. From a humble beginning of 144 members in the first year, the Circle has grown and stands today at over 1400 or so. In 1955, the Circle was registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Maharashtra, has recognized the Circle as a Cultural Institution, and is exempted from entertainment tax. The Circle also has the privilege of 80-G for the donors. Since inception until year 1959 the Circle’s concerts were held in Vimalanand Koppikar Hall, Saraswat Colony, Santacruz (west). With the increase in membership the venue had to be shifted to Gujarati Stree Mandal Hall, Tagore Road, Santacruz (west). From 1978 onwards the programmes were held at the New Assembly Hall, Seth Anandilal Podar High School, Saraswati Road, Santacruz (west). Presently, the venue for the concerts is Sheila Raheja Hall, Rotary Centre, Santacruz – West. The refinement of the Circle’s audience has been acknowledged by artistes and have stated that they are very eager to give their best performance on this platform. The Circle earnestly promotes young artists, whose skills are on the threshold of brilliance, and presents them to the music aficionados of the city. By encouraging them, we hope to keep the cultural flame of Hindustani Classical burning strong, and perhaps throw its light on to future generations. In its endeavour, it hosts the special programmes namely the ‘Baal Sangeet Sabha’ at the Gujarat Research Society’s Navnit Shah Sabhagriha, Khar (west) and the ‘Youth Festival’ at the Sheila Raheja Hall, Santacruz (west). The Circle has also been organizing audio-visual presentations on the well-known maestros of yester years making the best possible use of expertise of the Society of Indian Record Collectors. As much is done, much has to be achieved. With the sympathy and munificence of lovers of art, the circle rededicates itself each year to continue to serve the purpose of art and music and to strengthen the cultural foundation of this great city.
