Talented Flautist Prayuth Naduthota, a student of Sri Mysore Chandan Kumar, performed in Shri Dwarakamai Sai Temple in Billerica on 7th Sep, 2013. He was accompanied by Srimathi Deepa Sastry from NJ on Violin, Sri Mahalingam Santhanakrishnan, fondly known as Mali on Mridangam and Dr. Ravi Iyer on Ghatam.

The recital started with a crisp rendition of Navaragamalika varnam followed by Vinayaka ninu, by no means an unfamiliar piece in ragam Hamsadhwani, felt fresh and brisk on the flute. Makelara, a Thyagaraja Krithi, in Ravichandrika ragam was delivered with relish.

After a lively alapana in Dharmavathi ragam, followed delightfully by Deepa Sastry on violin, Prayuth played Dikshitar krithi Parandhamavathi with a lot of devotion. Srimathi Deepa travelled all the way from NJ, it was truly delightful to hear her.  Anaathudanu Kanu, a popular kriti of Thyagaraja in Jinglaa raga, meaning I am not an orphan (or destitute), was played with a lot of Bhakti and Bhavam.

Personal highlight of the evening was Mysore Vasudevaacharya’s, Ra ra Raajeva lochana in Mohana. The appealing alapana was played with melody and ease and the krithi was brilliantly improvised by the artist. The alternating sequences between the flautist and the violinist flowed mellifluously in the neraval and the kalpanaswaram. Tani avaratanam, a solo spell by Sri. Mali on Mridangam was extraordinary and was equally supported by Dr. Ravi Sastry on upapakkavadyam, Ghatam. Sri Mali always encourages young artists in the area, Prayuth felt comfortable in the company of seasoned artists. Dr. Ravi’s relocation to area is true blessings to music lovers in the area, we are looking forward to many more performances in the future.

Audience favorites appeared to be Kanaka Dasa kriti, Baaro Krishnayya and evertime hit Alaipayuthe composed by Sri Ootukkaadu Venkatasubbaiyyar. Prayuth concluded the concert excellently with Sri Rama Jaya Rama in Anandhabhairavi and Purandara Dasa krithi, Bhagyada Lakshmi in ragam Madhyamavathi.

The two hour concert was attended by a packed audience who listened with a lot of interest and encouraged the bright artist. Prayuth kept the audience on track as he interacted with them by mentioning the names of the kritis, composer, ragam and talam between each rendition. Prayuth who is sophomore in Brandeis University did his arangetram back in October 2010, we can see his progress as an artist, we look forward to many more enthralling performances from him in the future.

Shri Dwarakamai temple made beautiful audio and stage arrangements along with snacks for the audience with the help of volunteers. Dr. Radhika Dixit emceed the event, many thanks to the temple for supporting Carnatic music and encouraging young artists in the area.

|