BSS Vidyodaya and Raaga Music Academy have come together in a collaborative initiative to further enrich the vibrant cultural landscape of Mysuru.

With several years of experience in organising classical music concerts, the two esteemed institutions have joined hands to establish a sustainable platform for both emerging and established musicians.

This collaboration will be presented through a new monthly concert series titled ‘Bhagini Raaga Sourabha’ with performances scheduled on the third Saturday of every month at the auditorium of BSS Vidyodaya.

The inaugural concert of ‘Bhagini Raaga Sourabha’ series, coinciding with Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, was held at BSS Vidyodaya Auditorium in Krishnamurthypuram. The concert featured Vid. A. Chandan Kumar, a renowned and accomplished flautist, who presented a captivating recital lasting over 150 minutes.

The air-conditioned auditorium, equipped with excellent acoustics and ambient lighting, provided an ideal ambience, further enhanced by a full house of ardent music-lovers whose presence created an inspiring atmosphere for the performers.

Vid. Chandan was accompanied by Vidu. Prithvi Bhaskar on violin, Vid. A. Radhesh on mridanga and Vid. Shamith Gowda on ghata.

The concert commenced with a Varna in Raga Sri, rendered with brisk notations that immediately uplifted the mood. This was followed by a serene Ganamurthi raga, embellished with rare gamakas and depth.

As a fitting tribute to the presiding deity of the day, Lord Sri Krishna, the popular composition Ganamurthe of Saint Thyagaraja was presented. Another Krishna composition, Govardhana Gireesham in Raga Hindolam, was performed with a leisurely alapana and lively kalpana swaras.

Vidu. Prithvi Bhaskar’s elegant elaboration of Hindolam highlighted her artistry. A swift rendition of Anupama Gunambudi in Raga Atana set the stage for the concert’s central piece.

Vid. Chandan, known for combining deep classicism with an ability to reach to diverse audiences, delivered a profound Raga-Tana-Pallavi in Raga Kharaharapriya, which formed the main item of the evening. The Pallavi, set to Telugu lyrics in praise of Lord Govinda, showcased his mastery. His command over the flute and repertoire was particularly evident as he seamlessly wove the Pallavi and kalpanaswaras through the Pancha Ghana Ragas — Naata, Gowla, Aarabhi, Varali and Sri — with Vidu. Prithvi matching him at every step with diligence and grace.

The percussion duo, Vid. Radhesh and Vid. Shamith, provided exceptional rhythmic support throughout, culminating in a tani avartanam that was both enthralling and engaging.

The concert concluded with lighter yet soulful pieces, including Baaro Krishnayya, Jagadodharana and Vande Mataram.

In sum, the evening was an enriching and memorable musical experience, filled with classicism, melody and uplifting energy, befitting the launch of this new series.

—CA Raghunandan Vyasa Rao