The VEENAVENU_VIOLIN CONCERT WITH AN UNQIUE ACCOMPANIMENT OF 3 MRIDANGAMS held under the auspices of YCEP-NEHTI on March 4 at Keefe Tech. School was a great success to say the least.  The artists came together and proved that the symphony concept could be deftly, cleverly and harmoniously applied in Carnatic Music – taking into consideration that Carnatic music allows artists a large scope for innovation, individual imagination and kalpana..

Revathi (Veena), Raman(Venu), and Tara excelled  themselves as superb team players,  understanding, following, and effortlessly coolabrating with each other, and, not sacrificing the quality and chastity of Carnatic music While one was wondering how 3 Mridangams could come together in a single concert, the mridangists outdid themselves.  The coordination and understanding was so exemplary that a seasoned connoisseur could feel and hear the beautiful, meaningful, almost spiritual conversation that was going on between them.  This collaboration was brought out magnificently during the ‘Thani’ – Gaurish, Mali, Pravin – it was FANTABULOUS!  ‘romba sukam’, ‘romba inimai’, ‘romba othuzaippu’……  

Starting with majestic Bhairavi, galloping into Hamsadvani, softening with malayamarutham, and so on, the artists showered pearls of melodious music to the listeners’ delight.  The main piece on Kalyani was handled very well in technical and bhava sense.  It was followed by a RTP on Kiravani.  Lalgudi’s Behag tillana was a culminating piece that stirred a joyous feeling among all of us.  The whole concert was mellifluous, team-oriented, and communicative. Everybody we talked to had beaming smiles and was very happy to have been there.  A lot of positive energy seemed to flow through out and after the concert.

As an avid listener one did feel the rush of time at the end, which reflected itself in a short RTP. The artists had the caliber and could have further embellished Kiravani. They could have also played a crisp instrumental piece like ‘ragu vamsa sudha’ which lends itself very well in this kind of ensemble. Would also request organizers to ensure the timely starting of the concert that might have helped in not compromising for want of time.

Everything was a team effort. The superb sound system support (provided by Belmont Sound System) and all the volunteers made this happen – indeed an effort by the community, for the community, and with the community.

Here are quotes from some of the listeners:
We enjoyed the concert very, very much – Nikhila
It was indeed a very nice experience, and it turned out to be a real good one. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to listen to such a rare ensemble – Aparna
My wife who attended the concert felt deeply that I should have accompanied her – Umapathy
We heard only one Mridangam, what a great unison! - Ramswamy

All in all, it was a great concert in all aspects - from conception to rendering to enjoying. Providing Kid’s corner and delicious and sumptuous free food (prepared by  Community Members, Kashmiri Association and VHP) was a great strategy – this helped many a parent to enjoy the music peacefully, especially on a Sunday evening.  

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