The recent Carnatic music workshop, titled Karnataka Sangeetha Vaaggeya Vaibhava, by Padmabhushana, Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. R.K.Srikantan presented a marvelous opportunity for the area’s children to experience the greatness of a living legend and also to learn authentic versions of compositions of great Vaggeyakaras associated with Karnataka. The workshop was well attended, with a total of about 35 students, disciples of Boston area Gurus, Tara Bangalore, Geetha Murali, Aparna Balaji, Durga Krishnan and others.  The workshop organized by Kala Tarangini was held during the spring- break week of April 16th.

During the six day workshop, starting with Jayachamraja Wodeyar’s  composition Gam Ganapathe  in ragam Durvanki to Saaketha Nagaranatha (in Harikambhoji by Mysore Sadaasiva Rao),  the workshop participants learnt a total of eight songs. The other songs were Sri Raja Rajeshwari (in Lalitha by Jayachamraja Wodeyar), Narayana Namosthuthe (in Poornachandika by Mysore Vasudevacharya), Sarasadala Nayane (in Saramati  by Muthaiah Bhagavathar), Nikepudu (in Abhogi by Mysore Sadaasiva Rao), Kangalidyatako (in Thodi by Sripadaraya) and Adidano Ranga (in Arabhi by Purandaradasa). The stamp of the great guru was evident in the fact that he was able to impart to the students so many subtle and nuanced compositions in the space of six days.

The culmination of the workshop was a grand valedictory function in which the students showcased the songs that they had learnt from the great Guru to a packed audience gathered at Government Center Auditorium, Waltham. In preparation for this show, Shri Srikantan and Shri Ramakanth meticulously prepared the children for the show. It is quite remarkable that such a polished performance could be put on in such a short duration – a reflection of dedicated efforts of Shri Srikantan and Shri Ramakanth. Moreover, this is a true testament to the solid foundation the area’s Gurus instill in their students.  At the half time of the valedictory function, the local teachers honored Shri Srikantan;  in her speech, Smt. Tara Bangalore rightly pointed to the chaste and brilliant music of Shri Srikantan and her characterization of him as a “Maha Guru” was most appropriate.  New England Kannada Koota also felicitated Shri Srikantan by bestowing “Mandaara Kala Ratna” title on him.

The grand finale was a concert by the nonagenarian great, where he presented the same krithis that were taught in the workshop. It was fascinating to hear the master sing the same songs and it was obvious that the children who previously performed had absorbed a significant amount of knowledge. At the same time, listening to Shri Srikantan’s brilliant rendition of all the songs (Sarasadala Nayane in Saaramathi and Kangalidyaathako in Todi being this writer’s favorites) is sure to inspire the younger kids to strive for even greater heights. Excellent vocal support was provided by Shri Ramakanth. Local stalwarts Shri K.V.S. Vinay (violin) and Shri Mali Santhankrishnan(mridangam) were at their best as they beautifully complemented Shri Srikantan’s music . It is truly a blessing that we, as area residents, were able to experience the greatness of Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Padmabhushana  R.K.Srikantan.

[Thanks to the idea of Smt. Durga Krishnan, area musicians and students were also benefited by another workshop held by Shri Srikantan in two separate sessions. They all have been introduced to one common version of singing one of the most difficult Pancharatna krithis, Kanakana Ruchira in Varali.]

A huge thanks to Kala Tarangini, which is the brainchild of Smt. and Shri Usha  and Sudhakara Rao for bringing such a delightful and enriching event to the area. As we all know their tireless efforts have been central to numerous cultural events and they deserve our strongest support as they continue to bring such valuable cultural experiences to greater Boston.

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