Art, culture and music are the defining elements of Southern India’s rich essence, particularly in the Mysuru region. Embracing this heritage, a distinctive children’s flute festival recently took place in Mysuru city, organised by Studio Swaramadhura and presented by Bamboo Melody Raagas, under the expert guidance of Guru Vidwan Rakesh Sudhir.

The event was the Annual Day celebration of Bamboo Melody Ragas Music School. Children, aged between eight and 18 years, who have been learning the flute for the past two to three years, showcased their talents in the captivating concert. The sight of a packed auditorium at the Kalpakshethra Auditorium, Vijayanagar 4th Stage, for a flute recital was truly heartening.

The young flautists lived up to expectations, delivering a performance that was both impressive and enchanting. They presented a unique blend and style of flute music, captivating the audience and evoking a sense of melody, peace and tranquillity through their artistry.

Beginning the concert was a group performance by Bharatavarsha Kalmane Adidam, K. Aprameya Das, D. Krutarth, Chandan Keshav, Manoj Kumar Notada, Tribhuvan J. Gowda and B. Omkar. M.S. Nishanth accompanied them on Thavil.

Starting with ‘Pillari Geethe’ (Raga: Malahari, Tala: Chaturashra Jathi Rupaka and Trishrajathi Triputa Taala) composed by Purandara Dasaru and concluding with ‘Lingashtakam – Brahmamurari Suraarchita Lingam’ (Raga: Shivaranjini, Tala: Adi), the recitals set the stage for the exclusive solo performances to follow. Additionally, the group presented a composition by Guru Vidwan Rakesh Sudhir – ‘Swaravali’ in Raagas Malayamarutha and Charukeshi, set to Adi Tala.

Flawless solo performances

Next came the flawless solo performances that left the audience awestruck. Accompanied by cheers from parents, relatives and the audience, the young performers delivered a scintillating experience.

Soft and melodious tunes emanating from the bamboo flutes accompanied on Thavil by Vid. R. Chandra and M.S. Nishanth compelled everyone in the auditorium to nod their heads in appreciation of the remarkable performance.

The solo concerts commenced with a performance by Manoj Kumar Notada from Horanadu learning online for two years. He showcased his expertise starting with ‘Sanchari Geethe’ Kamalasulochana (Raga: Anandabhairavi, Tala: Adi) and seamlessly transitioned into ‘Swarajathi’ (Raga: Hamsadwani, Tala: Rupaka). His final rendition was a Kriti composed by Thyagarajaru – ‘Raminchuvaarevaru Raa Raghothama Ninuvina’ (Raga: Suposhini, Tala: Trishra Nade Adi).

Craftsmanship at a young age

The second solo concert featured Bharatavarsha Kalmane Adidam, learning online from Shivamogga for two years, who commenced with the Swarajathi – ‘Sambashivayanave Rajatagiri’ (Raga: Khamas/Khamach, Tala: Adi), composed by Chinni Krishna Daasaru. Bharatavarsha exhibited remarkable skill and executed the musical pieces with utmost elegance, captivating the audience and keeping them glued to their seats. His rich tonal quality of the flute highlighted his craftsmanship at a young age.

His rendition of the Kriti – ‘Sri Guruguha Tarayashumaam Sharavanabhava’ (Raga: Shudhasaveri, Tala: Rupaka) composed by Muthuswamy Dixitar, the Devaranama – ‘Iko Node Ranganathana Putta Paadava’ (Raga: Brindavani, Tala: Trishra Nade Adi), composed by Sripadarayaru, and the final Devaranama – ‘Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma’ (Raga: Madhyamavathi, Tala: Adi), composed by Purandara Dasaru, showcased his versatility and mastery over various musical compositions.

A special highlight of the second sequence of solo flute recitals was the performance by Sumeru V. Sakaleshpur from Shivammogga, learning online for the last three years. He commenced with the Taana Varna – ‘Vanajakshi’ (Raga: Kalyani, Tala: Adi), composed by Nagapattanam Sri Veeraswamy Pillai, and concluded with a Thillana in Raga Behag (Tala: Adi), composed by Veene Seshanna.

In addition to these, Sumeru also presented the Kriti – ‘Vinayaka Ninnuvina Brochutaku’ (Raga: Hamsadwani, Tala: Adi), composed by E.V. Ramakrishna Bhagavathar, and the Devaranama – ‘Venkataramanane Baaro’ (Raga: Saveri, Tala: Adi), composed by Purandara Dasaru.

Harmonious musical dialogues

The creative collaborations and musical dialogues between Sumeru and his Thavil artiste Chandra enriched the artistic expression of the flute concert. With exquisite rhythm and a spectrum of musical nuances, the performers complemented each other seamlessly until the conclusion of the concert.

Ankush. S. Kadaba from Mysuru learning for five years commenced his solo concert with the Varna – ‘Amma Aanandadaayini’ (Raga: Gambheera Nata, Tala: Adi), composed by Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna, and proceeded to perform the Kriti – ‘Shara Shara Samaraika Shoora’ (Raga: Kuntalavarali, Tala: Adi), composed by Tyagarajaru. His articulate performances beautifully conveyed the essence of the ragas, captivating the audience who listened with rapt attention.

Continuing his recital, Ankush presented the Kriti ‘Sri Raghuvaraprameya’ (Raga: Kambhoji, Tala: Adi – Vilamba gati), composed by Tyagarajaru, and concluded with a Thillana in Raga Kaapi (Tala: Trishranade Adi), composed by M.D. Ramanathan.

Perfect control over the instrument

The final solo flute concert featured Vibhav Omkar Gayatri from Bengaluru learning online for three years, who commenced with the Varna – ‘Jalajaaksha’ (Raga: Hamsadhwani, Tala: Adi), composed by Manambuchavudi Venkatasubayyar. His second performance was the Kriti – ‘Prasanna Ganapathe’ (Raga: Bahudaari, Tala: Rupaka), composed by Mysore T. Chowdiah.

Vibhav demonstrated exceptional control over the flute, delivering a meticulously tuned presentation that showcased a perfect alignment with the ‘shruti’. His performance infused the ragas with profound depth, captivating the audience.

For his concluding pieces, Vibhav presented the Taranga – ‘Govardhana Giridhaara’ (Raga: Darbari Kaanada, Tala: Adi), composed by Narayana Theertaru, followed by a Thillana in Raga Poornachandrike (Tala: Adi), composed by Ramnad Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar.

The day’s finale was marked by a stirring rendition of ‘Vande Maataram’ in Raga Desh, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, serving as an homage to Mother India. This group performance featured B. Omkar, Bharatavarsha Kalmane Adidam, Ankush S. Kadaba, K. Aprameya Das, Vibhav Omkar Gayatri, D. Krutarth, Sumeru V. Sakaleshpur, Tribhuvan J. Gowda, Manoj Kumar Notada, and Chandan Keshav.

Through their collective performance, the artistes celebrated the resilience of Bharatha Varsha and imbued the gathered audience with a profound sense of patriotism.

For enthusiasts of the arts, the flute concert transformed the evening into a soothing experience. Under the guidance of Vidwan Rakesh Sudhir, a versatile Indian musician, composer and a graded flautist of All India Radio (AIR), his students presented a distinctive blend and style of instrumental music, maintaining utmost clarity and melody in every note.