Harini Raghavan
The 23rd Annual music festival of Nadasurabhi, Koramangala, took off with a fine start on Tuesday, November 1. After the formal inauguration and release of the souvenir, the inaugural concert was a violin duet by Vidwan Lalgudi GJR Krishnan and Vidushi Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi.
Starting with a fine varnam in ‘Amruthavarshiuni’, composed by their illustrious father Late Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, they continued with a number of popular and familiar numbers. They included many Thyagaraja’s compositions and a few kannada songs. As torch bearers of Lalgudi style, they did not deviate from the traditional way in their presentation.
‘Prakkalanilabadi’ in Karaharapriya was the main piece of the day. There was a Ragam Thanam Pallavi in Shanmukhapriya which was classic. Their music was melodious, pleasing and flawless.
On the second day, (Nov 2) a young artiste Vidwan Ramakrishnan Murthy enthralled the audience with a most vibrant vocal concert. His rendition was mature, the selection of songs were brilliant and his virtuosity was commendable.
The main item of the day was ‘Gajanana’ in Thodi which is a rare composition of a lesser known composer of the past. He is a hard working, dedicated artist with a great future ahead of him.
The third day featured, Kumari Amrutha Venkatesh ’s vocal concert. This young lady from Bangalore is a promising, rising star. She is gifted with a golden voice.
She sang like any seasoned artist with high confidence and thoroughness throughout. She started with a rare ‘Pada varna’ of Swathi Tirunal in ‘Thodi’. Her ‘O Ranga shayee’ in ‘Kambodhi’ was grand with all embellishments. Ragam Thanam Pallavi in ‘Shubhapantuvarali’ was remarkable.
Friday, (November 4) was the fourth day of the festival, where the veterans, Malladi Brothers – Vidwans Sriram Prasad and Ravi Kumar took the stage for a vocal concert. They are known for their traditional style. They made the concert interesting with a variety in their choice of songs.
They presented major songs in ragas like ‘Asaveri’ and ‘Gamakakriya’ with all grandeur. The high light of the day was a Ragam Thanam Pallavi in raga ‘Valaji’. With a few kannada songs they added charm to the concert. On all days the accompanying artists were highly qualified and provided excellent support there by raising the standard of the concerts.
The power packed week end concerts on 5th and 6th November and the Sangeetha Surabhi felicitation program would draw curtains on the week long series.
