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SANGEETHA RASIKA SANGAM - May 2008
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The 108th Music Program of Sangeetha Rasika Sangam, Chennai 92 was held at Sri Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chinmayanagar (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust) on 11th May 2008. The concert featured one of the the internationally renowned musicians Smt Suguna Varadhachari as vocalist. She was accompanied by Ms Amirtha Murali on the violin and Sri Thanjavur Subramanian on the Mridangam. Ms Vasanthi Ramesh, Smt Suguna Varadachari's disciple provided additional vocal support.
The concert opened with a Varnam in Nattai. It was executed melodiously. Next to follow was 'Sri Maha Ganapathim' of Sri Dhikshithar in Gowlam, the Janya Raga of 15th Melam. The stronger note Kakali Nishadam was effectively handled as it were, to reveal the raga's intrinsic beauty. The captivating Sahitya 'Vinayakuni' in Madhyamavathi was rendered sweetly and its fragrance pervaded the entire hall. The swara exercise was done meticulously. Ms Amirtha Murali reproduced the notes by touching on the subtler realms of the raga with remarkable genius. The improvisation of the Vakra Bashanga Raga Begada, a Janya Raga of 29th Melam Sankarabharanam, presented in a mellowed voice, endeared the audience closer to the artiste. By exploring the raga's scope into the deeper recesses, Mrs Sugana Varadhachari revealed the finer characteristics of this raga in a focussed way. 'Anu Dhinamum Kavoomiah Adi venkatesiah' was rendered with bhava and devotional fervour. The swara elaboration enriched the quality of Sahitya presentation. Ms Amritha Murali made the raga shine in its true form with the gentle use of bow and smooth touch on the strings. Thanjavur Subramanian's harmonious beats in his percussion instrument gave a new thrust to the concert's effectiveness. Varuvaroe Varam Tharuvaroe, in Shyama was sung with profuse melody. Raga delineation of Kalyani made a mark on the programme. The Sahitya 'Nija Dasaratha' was rendered with sweet melody. The Sangathies Neraval and swara rendition brought the contours of the raga to the fore. The artiste kept the audience spell-bound by describing the raga curve through mellufluous phrases. Ms Amritha Murali translated the notes in an intelligible manner. Thanjavur Subramanian's vibrant beats on Mridangam and his Thani received a thunderous applause. Smt Vasanthi Ramesh the supportive vocalist fared better. A Purandaradas Krithi in Chandra Kowns was presented with moving melody. After a Thillana in Kamas, the programme ended with Mangalam song in the ragas Sourashtram and Surutti.
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