Chaitra Surabhi: A Melodious Beginning

Surabhi Gana Kala Mandira, renowned for its innovative approach to Karnatak music, continues to set benchmarks in musical education and performance. Their programmes are meticulously curated to foster both theoretical understanding and practical expertise among students. A notable addition to their annual repertoire is ‘Chaitra Surabhi,’ a series of concerts held during the Chaitra month, aimed at celebrating the rich tapestry of classical music.

To inaugurate this series, Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar, the esteemed Director of Surabhi Gana Kala Mandira, organised a grand vocal recital by the celebrated sisters, Vidushis Ranjani and Gayatri, on Apr. 12, at the historic Jaganmohan Palace in Mysuru. The concert featured the accomplished accompanists: Vid. Vittal Rangan on violin, Vid. Manoj Shiva on mridanga and Vid. Omkar Rao on ghata.

The evening commenced with a rendition of Shyama Shastri’s ‘Neelayatakshi’ in the raga Paras, a composition that was both intricate and emotive, setting a high standard for the recital. The sisters’ rendition of Purandara Dasa’s ‘Venkatesha dayamado’ in raga Shahana was marked by clear diction and devotional fervour. In a refreshing departure from the expected, they chose Muthuswami Dikshitar’s ‘Soundararajam ashrayeham’ in Brindavana Saranga, showcasing their versatility and deep understanding of ragas.

The Todi raga alapana, presented with depth and nuance, highlighted the sisters’ mastery in unravelling the complexities of ragas. Their interpretation of Tyagaraja’s ‘Ninnuvina sukhamuganu’ was imbued with emotional depth, with the neraval at ‘Ragarasika ragarahitha tyagaraja bhagadeya’ enhancing the raga’s essence. The subsequent kalpana swaras were executed with precision, reflecting the artists’ technical prowess.

Ranjani’s exploration of raga Mohana was both captivating and serene, demonstrating her command over the raga’s nuances. In a unique collaborative segment, Gayatri presented an elaborate alapana of raga Ranjani, leading to a dual raga pallavi in both Mohana and Ranjani, set in Chatusra Triputa tala in Khanda nadai. This innovative approach captivated the audience, with the subsequent neraval transitioning into a ragamalika that traversed ragas Jaganmohini, Reethigowla and Bhageshree, leaving listeners in awe.

The percussion duo of Manoj Shiva and Omkar Rao provided a dynamic and engaging tani avartana, adding rhythmic brilliance to the performance. The concert concluded with a ugabhoga in Hamsanandi and a devotional piece, ‘Thaluvikegintha tapavu illa’ by Vadiraja, in raga Sindhubhairavi, bringing the evening to a poignant close. This inaugural ‘Chaitra Surabhi’ concert was a testament to the rich traditions of Karnatak music, blending innovation with reverence. The meticulous planning and execution by Surabhi Gana Kala Mandira, under the guidance of Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar, ensured an evening that was both intellectually enriching and artistically fulfilling.

—Dr. Rama V. Bennur