MUSICAL EVENING BY VEENAVAADHINI STUDENTS

Mr Raj Parameswaran and Dr Latha Parameswaran hosted a programme by Veenavaadhini Students recently. The main programmes of the evening were two Vocal recitals, one by 12-year-old Kumari Harini and the second by Kumari Kamakshi and Kumari Meenakshi. Harish Kalidas from Sri Guruguha Gana Vidyalaya of Kolkata accompanied the artists on the violin and Master Gomathishankar played the mridangam.

For Harini, a 7th grade student, it was the first stage performance. She began her recital confidently with Jalajaksha varnam in Hamsadhwani in two speeds, followed by Marugelara in Jayanthasri and Sriman Narayana in Bowli. She then sang a bright Amritavarshini raga alapana for the song Ananda Amritakarshini, followed by competent kalpana swarams. She wound up her recital with a soulful Vande Mataram.

Kamakshi and Meenakshi began their recital with Sri Ganesha Charanam in Tilang. They also sang Sri Guruguha in Devakriya and E Vasudha in sahana and drew admiration from the audience. The main item of the evening was Ekamranatham Bhajeham in Gamakakriya. The raga alapana sung by Meenakshi and the swarakalpanas suffixed to the song were bhava dominant. A Tillana of Dr Balamuralikrishna in raga Brindavani sung at the end won the hearts of the audience present. Harish’s alapanas of Amritavarshini and Gamakakriya were very expressive and were wholeheartedly appreciated. Gomathishankar played mridangam displaying a lot of maturity for someone his age. Apart from these concerts there were also group singing programmes by students through the evening.

Veenavaadhini thanks Dr Lata and Sri Parameswaran for having taken the initiative to organize this programme and giving opportunity to these young students to display their talent. Excellent dinner was provided after the programme.