On September 26th, Chinmaya Mission Boston was bustling with activity as crowds started gathering two hours ahead in anticipation of Padmabushan Sudha Raghunathan’s sold out concert, co-sponsored by CMB and MITHAS. When children were requested to sit on stage in order to accommodate more adults, they jumped with joy at the rare opportunity to be able to sit  in such close proximity to a famous artist.

Dr. Dwarakanath, president of CMB, welcomed the guests and handed the microphone to George Ruckert of MITHAS, who spoke briefly about the organization and thanked the Palakurthis for their generosity which makes it possible for MITHAS to host so many wonderful concerts through the year with free admission for children. Durga Krishnan, who is a key member of both these organizations, then introduced the artists, setting up the stage for the much-awaited concert.

Sudha Raghunathan started with the popular Adi tala varnam in ragam Thodi, followed by Vatapi Ganapathim Bhajeham, the evergreen composition of Muthuswamy Dikshitar in ragam Hamsadhwani. A short shloka in ragam Bowli set the mood for Annamacharya's Sriman Narayana. By then, enthusiastic children started requesting a few favorites. With a promise to accommodate as many requests as she could, Sudha Ji proceeded to the main piece of the evening - Dikshitar's Bala Gopala in ragam Bhairavi. This krithi was followed by a long, energetic Thani Avarthanam, or percussion solo.

Keeping up the energy, Sudha Ji sang Thyagaraja's Shobillu Sapthaswara in ragam Jaganmohini and Arul Seyya Vendumaiyya in ragam Rasikapriya, continuing to enthrall the audience in the second half of the concert. Following this was a short Ragam Tanam Pallavi in Subhapantuvarali in mishra jathi jumpa talam, with ragamalika. Sudha Ji's signature piece, Brahmam Okate in ragam Bowli, and Bharathiar's Chinnan Chiru Kiliye in a ragamalika provided the audience with an exciting ending to an enjoyable concert.

The accompanying artists need very special mention. The skillful accompaniment of our own very talented violinist, Tara Bangalore, added vibrancy throughout the concert. The young mrudangist, Akshay Padmanabhan, and kanjeera player, Sriram, were also quite commendable. The standing ovation in the end from a full house was a proof that the concert was a grand success.

The audience, the music-loving community of Boston, are the best ambassadors of Carnatic music. Throughout the year, MITHAS and CMB do their best to sustain and promote the Indian classical traditions in the community by hosting great musicians from India, a privilege for everyone, especially since not everyone has the chance to experience the Chennai music season. I thank these organizations for their continued efforts and hope the community will continue to support the organizations and the artists by spreading the word and attending the concerts in large numbers.

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