On September 13, 2015, a grand vocal concert by Padmashree Aruna Sairam was arranged by Chinmaya Mission, Boston in Andover. Accompanying her on violin was Shri Vittal Ramamurthy and J. Vaidyanathan on Mridangam.

Aruna ji's Ganesha slokam followed by  "Shri Vigna Rajam Bhaje” composition of Oothukaadu Kavi was a wonderful and enchanting start for the concert. Aruna ji's style of explaining the songs and putting the in context is one of the reasons she gathers enthralled audience around the world. She explained that  "Shri Vigna Rajam Bhaje” was rendered in Mallari style and Mallari's are generally performed in the temple during procession of Idols. 

She set the tone for the rest of the evening with Ragam Chandrajyothi, Bagaya nayya by Thyagaraja swami and then a fast paced and lilting "Anandamruthakarshini "in the Ragam Amrithavarshini composed by Shri. Muthuswami Dikshitar. Following it was the very famous Krithi “ Vazhi Maraittirukude “ in Nattai Kurinji by Gopalakrishna Bharati’s Nandanar charitram where she explained how the nandi was obstructing the view of Shiva.  Arunaji did absolute justice to the krithi where the slow and meditative rendering was very touching indeed. "Samagana lole", a GNB composition, was next where she elaborated Hindolam mellifluously with some kalpana swarams. Followed that was "Amba Neelambari" in the beautiful Neelambari Raga which felt like a lullaby. She brought nostalgia by giving a brilliant performance of the song “Vandinum sholai” in thodi, while describing how MS amma made it very popular.

Then she paved way into Ragam Thalam Pallavi (RTP)  in Ashta Ragamallika denoting 8 ragams to the Ashta Lakshmi. She also explained to the audience that Lakshmi means not only material prosperity but also purity, generosity and peace.The pallavi line for the RTP she chose was “ Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma” set to Adi Talam in Madhyamavathi. Madhyamavathi was the main raga and the other ragas were, kambodhi, Kurinji, Atana, Mohanam, Sahana,Ranjani, Bhairavi, Lalitha. The RTP also included a couple of lines of  "Ksheerabdhi kanyakaku " seamlessly. 

Vittal Ramamurthy sir’s violin accompaniment showed his experience and played a very soothing and a supportive role.  J. Vaidyanathan sir’s  mridangam was superb and enhanced the overall effect.

Post RTP was "Brindavana Nilaye Radhe "in Reethigowlai. Meanwhile all young fans went up to the stage with request chits and she readily sang all of them. She said that it makes her very happy to see so many children in the audience and she loves to perform all their requests as they are the ones who have to carry the music tradition in the future. She was  very happy to create a liking by singing their favorites. The audiences also enjoyed the beautiful series of  Abhangs "Baaje Mridanga taal bina” followed by Madu meiykum kanne, Ennakavi paadinaalum, Vishama Kaara kannan, Brindavana Bedu..

These are all Arunaji’s signature abhangs where she also involved the audience. Madu Meikkum and Vishamakaara Kannan brought the whole house down. Uthukkadu Venkatakavi's Kalinga narthana thillana in Gambeera nattai that she popularized in the early 90's brought the audience to their feet to a rousing standing ovation. Since the concert took place in the auditorium above the Hanuman temple, she chose to end the concert with a few verses of Hanuman chalisa.

It was a one of a kind experience to see how Arunaji sang the songs with extreme ease, bringing in so much versatility and energy. After a delightful three plus hour concert, she posed for  pictures, autographs and spend time with all her fans.

Overall it was a very peaceful, mediative and a very touching concert for years to remember.

I would like to specially thank Smt. Durga Krishnan and Smt. Sumana Rao and Chinmaya boston for bringing such a wonderful memorable concert to Boston.