http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/09/25/s...2551250600.htm
Fascinating work on Tyagaraja
Printable View
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/09/25/s...2551250600.htm
Fascinating work on Tyagaraja
K.J. Yesudas live - at Thiruvarur:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_uBY0orrGA
12 languages, one theme…
SAVITHA GAUTAM
Aikya India 2010 promises to be a musical tour of India.
CULTURAL RENDEZVOUS: Aruna Sairam, Thota Tharrani and Ranjini Manian.
If the recent ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' video proved that music is a binding force, so will Aikya India 2010, a musical offering by Global Adjustments.
The show that will see the vocal powers of Aruna Sairam blend with the creative eye of Thota Tharrani and the wordplay of Ranjani Manian, will unfold on March 27.
The concert is for a cause, and in this case, it's Smrutha Dhvani, an initiative of Interface, an NGO, and Global Adjustments, to care for retiring or retired artists in the field of the performing arts.
The format is the brainchild of Aruna Sairam. “Actually, while in college, we used to host what we called the Magic Carpet show, where songs from various Indian languages would find a place. That theme seemed perfect for Aikya India 2010.” This also gives Aruna a chance to showcase a wide repertoire of songs that she has learnt over the years travelling the length and breadth of India.
She recalls, “While living in Rajkot, I once heard a Rajasthani musician sing a local folklore with just an ektara to keep beat. The song moved me so much that I decided to learn it at once.” Similarly, she found herself “in the midst of thousands of devotees during the magnificent Rath Yatra of Puri Jagannath and heard the Oriya bhajan. I managed to get somebody to write down the lyric and learnt it. The Bengali bhajan I learnt is sung at Kolkata's Mahakali temple at 3.30 a.m. daily.”
Melodies such as these from 12 Indian tongues including Sanskrit, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and of course, Tamil will be presented by Aruna on March 27. As Aruna adds, “The theme is unity in diversity, but the underlying bhava will be bhakti.”
Setting the stage
Lending an aesthetic air to the proceedings will be the simple yet striking stage decoration by Thota Tharrani. “White, the colour of divinity, purity and peace, will envelop the stage. I plan to use letters of the alphabet from various languages to illustrate the theme. And maybe light it from below to create the right atmosphere,” is how Tharrani chooses to describe his vision of the sets. “The set should be such that it does not distract . In fact it should complement the music.”
Playing sutradhar will be Ranjani Manian, the moving force behind Global Adjustments. “We have all along been playing cultural connectors to expats and have helped them see India. To that effect, we plan a multimedia presentation of photographs of India as perceived by expats.” There will be eight accompanying artists.
Ranjani will take the audience through Aruna's songs, and in the process showcase a nation that moves forward in spite of and because of its multi-cultural ethos.
[The Aikya India 2010 show, sponsored by The Standard Chartered Bank, will be presented on March 27, 7 p.m., at MVSR Hall, Lady Andal School, Harrington Road, Chetpet. Donor passes (Rs.2,500, Rs.1,000, Rs.500 and Rs.250) are available at Global Adjustments, No.5, 3rd Main Road, R.A. Puram; Landmark (all outlets); Odyssey (Adyar and R. A. Puram); Chamiers; and Amethyst (Gopalapuram). Book online at www.indianstage.in. For details, call 98800 36611.]
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/03/19/s...1951090300.htm[/tscii]
Rich in classical content
A two-day music festival, featuring captivating vocal concerts of musicians, was organised by R.R. Sabha, Tiruchi, in memory of Maharajapuram Santhanam.
Photos: R.M. Rajarathinam
Soulful interpretation:(From left) Maharajapuram Srinivasan, Prapancham Mukyaprana, Vasudha Kesav and Maharajapuram Ganesh Viswanathan.
R.R. Sabha, Tiruchi, conducted a two-day music festival in memory of Maharajapuram Santhanam, in association with Maharajapuram Santhanam Foundation and Nadhadweepam Trust at the FGN Hall, R.R. Sabha, recently.
N. Sekar, secretary, R.R. Sabha in his welcome address, thanked all the associate organisations for making the festival a success.
The inaugural was presided over by Maharajapuram Nagarajan, who lauded the enthusiasm and interest of the Sabha in spreading the cause of music through such festivals.
Pleasant rendition
This was followed by Maharajapuram S. Ganesh Viswanathan's vocal concert. He began with a varnam in Sunadhavinodhini, indicative of the rich fare that was to follow. His rendition of ‘Sogasuga' in Sriranjani had all the curves and twists and the kalpanaswaras were imaginative, without being repetitive. He took up Vachaspati (‘Kanta Joodumi') for raga alapana, which was a great listening pleasure with a lot of classical content and bhakti element. Thodi (‘Sri Krishnam') was the main course and the elaborate treatment of the raga was inspiring.
Sparkling swaras
The next concert was by Vasudha Kesav, who with her mature voice, sruti alignment and gnanam captivated the audience. Her choice of Hamsadhwani to commence the concert was good with sparkling niraval and swaras. She sang ‘Ranganadhude' In praise of the presiding deity of Srirangam. Her attempt of raga Ramapriya for the kriti ‘Smaramyagam' was praiseworthy. ‘Marukelara' was a filler with a neat rendtion. Kiravani (‘Kalikiyunte') was the main raga taken up with all the ingredients, and was bhava laden.
The two concerts were accompanied by Tiruchi Govindarajan and Koviladi Madhwaprasad, who greatly contributed to the success, with their spirited performance.
The flute concert by Prapancham Mukyaprana was noteworthy for its gentle and sweet flow of music, with the natural sound of the bamboo holding sway. The blowing was perfect and the melody and fragrance had an enduring appeal.
He began with ‘Gajavadana' in Sriranjani and the swaras were delineated in great detail. Manoranjani had a brisk pace and was followed by ‘Narayana' in Suddha Dhanyasi, popularised by the late maestro Maharajapuram Santhanam.
The structuring of the raga was neat covering the entire gamut of the raga. The lower region was attempted through the use of the long bamboo and the effect was mesmerising.
The main piece was Kalyani (‘Etavunara') which was short but sweet. The swaras and kuraippu were done briskly.
Rare kriti
The concluding concert by Maharajapuram Srinivasan with vocal support by his son was outstanding. He began with a Durbar varnam and the invocation to Lord Vinayaka with a rare song. It was ‘Panchmatanga Mukha' by Dikshitar. The swaras were apt and crisp. ‘Ragunayaka' in Hamsadhwani was the one taken up for the warm up session and the long kuraippu and the final climax held the listeners' interest.
The audience was thrilled with the rendering of ‘Nenarunchi' in Malavi. Hindolam was taken up as the sub main and Srinivasan painted a colourful canvas of the raga. Sankarabharanam (‘Rama Ninnuvina') was the central composition and the raga was built by the father-son duo as a monumental edifice.
The powerful voices merged in unison and the rich antaragandhara of Sankarabharanam stood out and shone like a pearl.
The everlasting melodies of Maharajapuram Santhanam were taken up to the delight of the gathering and concluded with ‘Bho Sambho.'
The support by N.C. Madhav and Tiruchi Rangarajan for both the concerts was phenomenal and deserves special mention.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/03/19/s...1950660300.htm
Legend remembered
Rich tributes were paid to Sheikh Chinnamoulana.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2150160300.htm
CD released
I nnovative harmoniser par excellence M.B. Srinivasan's (MBS) Madras Youth Choir recently released a CD titled ‘Pallu Paduvome' at a function held at TAG Centre, Alwarpet.
Releasing the CD Justice K. Chandru stated that as a rare ...
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151180200.htm
Young talent to the fore
Four youngsters showcased their musical skills at Utsaha, the festival organised by the Sumanasa Foundation.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151200200.htm
Elaborating with elan
CD Nedunuri Krishnamurthy, well known for his expansive raga portrayals, does full justice here.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151290600.htm
Music legends on DVD
VISUAL `Vandanam' throws light on the life and times of four music legends.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2161350300.htm
Renovation
Manavur, a village, that lies 54 km off Chennai (rail en route Chennai Central-Arakkonam), dates back to the 7 {+t} {+h} century AD when the Kurumbas ruled the ancient Thondai Mandalam. They divided it into 24 divisions of which Manavur ...
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151220500.htm
Anusha Jayanthi
Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Bhaktha Jana Trust, No.4, K.V. Colony, III Street, Chennai-33 (ph: 23711971; M.C. Mouli - 9884495578) celebrates its 19 {+t} {+h} Maha Anusha Jayanthi Mahotsavam, from May 21 (today) to June 2, at Sri Ayodhya ...
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151310600.htm
Rustic and original
Children's talents came to the fore at Marabu Foundation's workshop.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151330400.htm
Treat of Tyagaraja kritis in Texas
Many eminent Carnatic musicians regaled audiences in Houston.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/21/s...2151350400.htm
1. Notes on the nagaswaram
T. S. Latchappa Pillai recalls the glorious days and elaborates on the nuances of playing the instrument.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/04/s...0451260300.htm
2. Rendezvous with culture
The Summer Festival 2010 held in Thanjavur showcased various folk dances from India.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/04/s...0450720400.htm
3. Village comes alive with music
Come May and the laid back Nidle in Karnataka becomes a beehive of activity.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/04/s...0451350500.htm
Drama festival
Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, (Ph: 94447 01446), as part of their 110th year celebration, inaugurates their 12-day drama festival on August 23. On the inaugural day the annual drama award of the sabha, ‘Sangeetha Kalasarathy' will be conferred on veteran dramatist A.R. Srinivasan, for his dedicated and continued service to Tamil theatre. Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti will give the award. Mohan Parasaran will inaugurate. Veteran actor M.N. Rajam and S.Ve. Shekher offer felicitations to ARS. The inaugural function will be followed by TV. Varadharajen's ‘Neradi Oliparappu' at 6.45 p.m. The festival will be held in two parts – from Aug. 23 to 29 and from Sept. 5 to 9 and at two different venues. .
The following is the list of the line-up to be held at Narada Gana Sabha Hall. Aug 24, 6.45 p.m.: Mother Creations' ‘Priyamudan Appa'; Aug. 25, 6.45 p.m.: Rail Priya's “Ennakkul Iruvar'; Aug. 26, 6.45 p.m.: New Creation's ‘Edhirpaaradhadhu'; Aug. 27, 6.45 p.m.: Stage Creation's ‘Neenga Yaar Pakkam'; Aug. 28, 4.30 p.m.: Dummies Drama presents ‘Ardhanari'; 6.45 p.m.: ‘Crazy' Creations ‘Chocolate Krishna'; Aug. 29, 10.30 a.m.: UAA presents ‘Swadeshi Aiyar'; 4.25 p.m.: Navabharath Stage's ‘Kaasikku Pona Ganapathy'; 6.45 p.m.: Natakhapriya presents ‘Yaamirukka Bayamaen.'
The following plays will be staged at Mylapore Fine Arts Club Hall.
Sept. 5, 6.45 p.m.: Kovai Paddhu's ‘Pavithra'; Sept. 6, 6.45 p.m.: Sathiya Sai Creations' ‘Mama Maaplae'; Sept. 7, 6.45 p.m.: Gurukulam Boys' ‘Yaadhumaagi Nindrai'; Sept. 8, 6.45 p.m.: Amrutham Gopal's ‘Lakshmanakodu' and Sept. 9, 6.45 p.m.: Mali Stage presents ‘Sattam Yaar Pakkam.'
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/08/20/s...2051140100.htm
Passion lives here
A series of interesting cyber talks, here is one by novelist Isabel Allende
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/08/20/s...2050870300.htm
Melody match
For Carnatic music students Dance India
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/08/20/s...2050080200.htm
Utsav Academy of Dance celebrated Independence Day through the art of expression.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/08/20/s...2050160300.htm