Raaga Music Academy, in collaboration with Bhagini Seva Samaja, presented its monthly concert at BSS Vidyodaya in Krishnamurthypuram on Oct. 18. The evening offered a fine classical treat by Vid. N.R. Prashanth, accompanied by C.V. Shruthi on violin, B.S. Prashanth on mridanga and Raghunandan Vyasa Rao on ghata.
Prashanth, one of our most accomplished vocalists deeply rooted in classicism, enthralled the audience with his scholarly approach and rich manodharma. His attractive voice and effortless command over ragabhava reflected the purity and depth of traditional Karnatak music.
He opened the concert with Sri Narayana Teertha’s Taranga in Raga Nata — “Jaya Jaya Jaya Swamin” — setting an auspicious tone. This was followed by a lively cluster of kalpana swaras. “Shree Ranganathudai” in Sourashtra created the perfect ambience for the musical feast that unfolded. Whether in alapana or swara kalpana, Prashanth’s imagination flowed fluently, adorned with brisk phrases, delicate spirals and elegant gamakas. His mastery shone through ragas such as Shreeranjani, Kumudakriya, Aarabhi and Reethigowla.
The main raga of the day, Varali, was rendered with an elaborate exploration that captured all its subtle nuances. The deep, resonant gamakas of Varali were perfectly balanced and emotionally charged. Kritis like “Shree Dum Durge”, “Ardha Naareeshwaram” and “Shree Saraswathi Namostuthe” (by Muthuswami Dikshitar) were sung with great bhava, doing full justice to the composers’ spirit.
A special highlight of the concert was a rare composition by his Guru, Prof. R. Visweswaran, titled “Ee Reethi Gauravinthune” in Reethigowla, a fitting tribute to Saint Tyagaraja.
Young and talented Shruthi provided sensitive violin support, her bowing often weaving a magical spell. The exchanges of kalpana swaras between vocalist and violinist were particularly enjoyable. B.S. Prashanth and Raghunandan Vyasa Rao on the percussion provided energetic and balanced accompaniment, enhancing the overall impact of the concert.
Bhavan’s Day at Ganabharathi
Veene Seshanna Bhavana, the cultural hub of Ganabharathi built in 1991, celebrated its 34th anniversary on Oct. 26 with a grand Karnatak vocal concert by Vidu. Kalavathy Avadhoot.
She was ably supported by Sindhu Suchethan on violin, H.L. Shivashankar Swamy on mridanga and Ranganatha Chakravarthy on ghata.
Kalavathy, daughter of the renowned percussionist Vidwan Bengaluru K. Venkataram and Gamaka Vidushi G.R. Jaya, is an erudite musician with a vast repertoire of compositions. She has carved a niche for herself as a top-ranking classical vocalist.
The concert commenced with a refreshing Daru “Maathe Malayadhwaja” (Khamach) by Muthiah Bhagavatar, followed by Tyagaraja’s evergreen “Shobhillu Saptaswara” (Jaganmohini), embellished with crisp chitteswara and lively kalpana swaras. A composition of Veene Seshanna, “Tharamugadura,” was an apt inclusion on this special occasion. Her elaboration of Dharmavathi was captivating and young Sindhu Suchethan’s violin responses were graceful and melodious.
Another gem of the evening was Shyama Sastri’s “Brovavamma Bangaru Bomma” (Neelambari), rendered with deep raga bhava. Kalavathy’s thoughtfully chosen repertoire included both popular and rare pieces — “Bhogeendra Shayinam” (Kuntalavarali), a Thillana in Dhanashree (both by Swathi Tirunal Maharaja), and a Vibhakti Kriti ofMuthuswami Dikshitar, “Dakshayani Abhayambike” (Todi).
She also presented a rare Mundige of Kanakadasa, “Parama Purusha Neenellikayi” (Kadanakutuhala) and Tyagaraja’s “Rama Neeyeda” (Kharaharapriya). Her majestic elaboration of Kharaharapriya and the masterly neraval at “Tana Sowkhyamu Tanerugaka Yorukalu Tanu Sukhama” showcased her deep understanding of classicism. The concluding Tani Avarthana by Shivashankar Swamy and Ranganatha was brisk and a fitting finale to a memorable evening.
—Dr. Rama V. Bennur
This post was published on November 12, 2025 6:05 pm