On the serene evening of Aug. 24, Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha, Mysuru, transformed into a sanctum of melody as the young violin virtuosos Sumanth Manjunath and Malavi Manjunath mesmerised a packed audience with a performance that radiated brilliance, creativity and heartfelt artistry.

Proud inheritors of the legendary Mysore violin tradition, the siblings reaffirmed their stature as two of the brightest young stars of Karnatak music. Trained by their illustrious father, Violin Maestro Dr. Mysore Manjunath, the duo showcased a concert steeped in tradition yet sparkling with youthful imagination.

While Sumanth Manjunath, who has already performed in over 20 countries repeatedly at some of the most important concert venues, has been acknowledged as the youth icon of Indian Violin, young Malavi is a child prodigy, fast emerging as a sensational young violinist having already performed violin concerts in 8 countries so far.

The concert opened on a majestic note with ‘Mahaganapathim’ in raga Nata, instantly enveloping the hall in an auspicious and vibrant aura. This was beautifully followed by a soulful ‘Bhuvaneshwariya’ in Mohana Kalyani, where their seamless coordination and emotive playing evoked a deeply devotional atmosphere. The raga alapana explorations stood as the crowning jewels of the evening.

Malavi’s Anandabhairavi was tender and poignant, flowing with bhava, while her Shankarabharana radiated classicism, clarity and inventive phrases. Sumanth’s Poorvikalyani unfurled with grandeur and authority, while his Kapi alapana was an expansive journey, drenched in soulful emotion.

The kriti ‘Saroja Dalanethri’ by Shama Shastri, was rendered with polish and elegance, as young Malavi surprised everyone with a superb display of chaste shankarabharana in her Raga elaboration. The Raga-Tana-Pallavi in Kapi emerged as the evening’s crown jewel, where Sumanth’s playing dazzled with imagination, rhythmic finesse and effortless mastery — earning thunderous applause mid-performance. Sibling’s Raga alapana exchanges brimmed with creativity, the swaras crackled with energy, and the Pallavi unfolded with maturity and brilliance, weaving a tapestry of melody and rhythm that left listeners spellbound.

The evening’s brilliance was elevated further by the stellar percussion team — Vid. B.C. Manjunath on mridanga and Skanda Manjunath on ghata. Their sensitive and sparkling accompaniment, marked by razor-sharp precision and creative flair, elevated every moment. Their Thani avartanam was a rhythmic tapestry—mathematically intricate yet musically enthralling — drawing waves of applause from an enraptured audience.

As the final notes faded, the hall erupted in thunderous applause.  Connoisseurs and rasikas alike hailed it as a performance of brilliance — one that beautifully fused the purity of tradition with the freshness of youthful imagination. Lighter pieces like ‘Krishna Nee Begane Baro’ and ‘Pibare Ramarasam’ added a devotional sweetness to the concert, leaving the audience deeply moved.

The Nadabrahma Sabha recital was not just a concert; it was a celebration of melody, rhythm and devotion. Sumanth and Malavi’s duet will be remembered as one of the superb display of the youth expression of the traditional Karnatak music — a glowing testimony to their artistry, their legacy and the bright future of Karnatak violin.

—H. Sachidananda