The Inaugural Navarathri concert of Smt Bhavadhaarini Anantaraman at Sri Lakshmi Temple Ashland, held on 28th September was delightful and inspiring. There was a reasonable crowd being the first day of Navarathri.

Smt Bhavadhaarini has a pleasant rasp-free voice and has a no nonsense approach to present a concert; no unnecessary waiting time in between songs, no speech during the concert. She began the concert with Sahana Varnam followed by Ganapathe in Ragam Kalyani with brisk swara passages.

One of Bhavadhaarini’s students Sai Mahima sang the Krithis along with her in unison. The unhurried version of “Hiranmayeem Lakshmim” in Ragam Lalitha aroused the mood of the concert. She indulged in kalpana swaras selectively and gave a neat format to the concert. Her rendition of “Kamalama samrakshathu maam” in Ananda bhairavi Raga was emotive.

Krithis “Nannu kanna thalli” in Raga Kesari and “Ramaa Ramana” in Vasanta Bhairavi Raga thrilled the audience for the breeze and speed in which they were handled.  Bhavadhaarini maintained the momentum of the concert till the Mangalam and exhibited a sincere straight and soft approach!

Fast and popular numbers "Kurai Ondrum illai" of Rajaji and Dasa Sahitya "Bhagyadha lakshmi baramma" enthralled the listeners. Local upcoming artists Rasika murali on the violin and Ullas Rao on Mridangam were fortunate to accompany a senior Vidwan like Smt Bhavadhaarini.

It is a gift to Boston that Smt Bhavadhaarini Anantaraman has moved in. She has an illustrious tutelage from Sangeetha Kalanidhi Smt D.K.Pattammal for over 25 years and a PhD in Indian music and is an excellent tutor. Hopefully we will hear more concerts of Smt Bhavadhaarini in the Boston area from now.

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