On June 29th 2013 Sachita and Chirag Ganesa presented their Carnatic vocal and Mridangam arangetram at the Keefe Tech Auditorium in Framingham, MA.  Sachita is a student of Guru Smt. Aparna Balaji and Chirag, a student of the eminent mridangam maestro, Sri Thiruvarur Vaidyanathan. They were accompanied on the violin by Senior violinist, Sri K.V.S. Vinay. Sri Thiruvarur Vaidyanathan was the Chief Guest for the event.

Following opening remarks by their father, Shekar Ganesa, the siblings went on to present a very satisfying recital that was a testament to their endeavor in learning this art form and to the dedication and skill of their Gurus.  Throughout the concert, Sachita and Chirag commanded the stage with poise and with a pleasure in the musical experience that they shared with their Gurus and the intimate group of rasikas and well-wishers that day.

Sachita’s presentation demonstrated a firm grasp of the key elements of Carnatic music including shruthi and akshara suddham and steady kala pramanam.  Her pleasing voice has an easy reach across the octaves, gamakams and brighas and Sachita has an instinct for the effective use of modulation and emphasis.  Chirag’s support on the mridangam was skilled and demonstrated understanding of tempo and gait appropriate to the mood and intent of the composition. Chirag’s playing style was characterized by melodic richness and clarity at higher tempos which embellished the compositions.
Chirag’s performance included a variety of Thalams including Rupakam and Kanda Chapu, and various tempos within Adi.  

The concert started with the Varnam Jalajaksha in Hamsadhvani. This was followed by “Vallabha Nayakasya”, delivered with full expression of Begada. Sachita then presented a meditative rendition of the wonderful Dikshithar Navagraha Kirthanam, “Divakara Thanujam” during which she closed her eyes and immersed herself in Yadukula Kamboji.

Sachita then presented the Dikshithar kirthanam “Subramanyena” which was preceded by Suddha Dhanyasi alapana. The swara passages were well executed with smart combinations of rhythmic phrases.  This was followed by the Dikshithar kirthanam “Kanchadalayadakshi”.

The first main ragam of the recital was well chosen Simmendhra Madhyamam.  Following the alapanai, Sachita presented the Swathi Thirunal composition “Rama Rama Guna Seema” in a pleasing tempo.  The elaboration at “Muni Manasa” showcased Sachita’s capability in neraval and swaras which is her forte. Sachita managed the mathematical combinations with precision. Sachita and Chirag were feeding off each other’s energy, complementing one another. The “Mukthayams” (or the ending beats on each composition) were spot on.

This was followed by a most able Thani Avarthanam by Chirag. The thani was in turns lyrical, lively and vigorous and at all times, infused with pleasing nadham beyond mere rhythm. There were several rounds of plays in various Kalams (or tempos) with a crescendo at the end.

Following the Thyagaraja Kirthanam, Marugelara Oh Raghava, Sachita presented a Ragam Thanam Pallavi in Shankarabharanam.  Sachita’s alapanai was an effective essay of Shankarabharanam with correct emphasis on defining phrases and gamakams. The thanam was followed by the Pallavi “Pasupathe Umapathe Namosthuthe Gangadhara Shankara”, composed by Guru Aparana’s husband.  Sachita rendered the Pallavi with precision and capably executed the musical and rhythmic complexities of the piece. Sachita and Chirag’s presentation clearly delighted their Gurus as they watched on with pride.  There was a special ending to the RTP with another small Thani Avarthanam from Chirag.  

The RTP was followed by a string of Thukkadas in a variety of ragam and moods, rendered with bhava and enjoyment by Sachita.  Of special note, the lovely piece “Om Enum Pranava” in Kapi was especially composed for this occasion by Sachita’s grandfather and rendered with feeling by Sachita.  Sachita’s Tamil pronunciation and “ucharipu” were impeccable in the lively presentation of Kavadi Chindu. The thillana in Kalyana Vasantham, with challenging swara prastharas, provided a fitting conclusion to the recital.

We are fortunate as a community to have senior musicians like Sri K.V.S. Vinay to teach, guide and inspire our children.  It goes without saying that Sri Vinay’s interpretation of ragams such as Simmendhra Madhyamam and Shankarabharanam was of the artistic depth that comes with the ability and experience of a senior musician.  Suffice it to say that Sri Vinay is a wonderful role model for our youngsters in terms of the caliber of his music as well as his most gracious demeanor.

The evening concluded with words of praise from the Gurus, Smt. Aparna Balaji and Sri Thiruvarur Vaidyanathan for their cherished students and words of appreciation from the family to the Gurus and to all who made this debut a success.  Special thanks to Sheela, Ramya and Deepa for the artistic and eye catching decorations!!

This arangetram most certainly marked the entry of Sachita and Chirag into the community of talented young Carnatic musicians in the Greater Boston area of whom we are very proud.  

|