Having succeeded in mega business congregation under the banner of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the Gujarat government is preparing for yet another mega biennial event, this time for art lovers.
On the similar format like Vibrant Gujarat Global Summits, the state government will conduct an international art and culture festival under the banner of Vadfest 2015 during January 23-26 at Vadodara.
This time, the business honchos and global leaders will be replaced by musical maestros and noted theatre personalities, artists along with emerging artists.
The four-day Vadfest will begin with the performance of internationally famous Greek Pianist, Yanni and conclude with the live concert by the Oscar winner A R Rahman on January 26 night.
"We plan to make it a biennial event just like we have Vibrant Gujarat summit every two years in Gujarat. This is for the first time in India, such an event for culture and art is happening on such large scale," said Saurabh Patel, minister for finance, energy and tourism, government of Gujarat during a media interaction here. Rahman was present for the curtain raiser of the event on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
Vadodara, from where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contested his first Lok Sabha elections and later vacated the seat for Varanasi, has rich heritage of music, art and culture. Some of the institutions in the city are known for art, music, and performing arts.
"We want to make this event a multi-art, multi-discipline cultural extravaganza. Including musical performances, about 50 events will be conducted during four days. There will be dance, theatre, mega concerts, kids theatre among others," said Patel.
"The event comes during the Republic Day celebrations, so this way we want to encourage tourism and encourage local talent to showcase their skills through this platform," added Patel.
Apart from Yanni and Rahman, major attractions during the four days will be concerts of Sivamani trio, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia among others, while theatre by stalwarts of performing arts like Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher. Also, a grand vintage car show in the backdrop of Lakshmi Vilas Palace of Gaekwads of Baroda will be conducted.