Two Captivating Vocal Concerts 
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Two Captivating Vocal Concerts 

January 24, 2025

Ganabharathi had organised a vocal recital on Jan. 10 at Veene Seshanna Bhavana. The concert, performed by the young and talented Medha Manjunath, was a truly delightful experience.

Medha received her early training from Vid. Sukanya Prabhakar, who laid a strong foundation for her musical journey.

Currently, her father-in-law, Vid. Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma, is guiding her further. Medha’s performance stands out for her excellent manodharma, precise enunciation, perfect shruti and her creativity in weaving new musical patterns. She was accompanied by Keshav Mohankumar on violin, A. Radhesh on mridanga and S. Manjunath on ghata.

The concert opened with a varna in the raga Valachi, which brought a refreshing touch to the performance, as this varna is rarely heard by vocalists. ‘Chalamu,’ composed by Vid. Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, is a beautiful piece, especially well-suited for instrumentalists.

Medha thoughtfully selected compositions from a variety of composers, including Muthiah Bhagavatar’s Amba Vani (Keeravani), Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Hiranmayi Lakshmeem (Lalita) and Sri Kanthimathim (Hemavathi), Mysore Vasudevacharya’s Rama Ramana Narayana (Nagaswaravali), Tyagaraja’s Shobhillu Saptaswara (Jaganmohini), Harapanahalli Bheemavva’s Nille Nille Kollhapuradevi (Shuddha Saranga) and Muppina Shadakshari’s Enage Bhoga Bhagya Beda (Durga).

Medha presented a detailed exposition of ragas Lalita and Hemavathi. Her performance was marked by appropriate gamakas, skilful use of spirals and a bhavapoorna rendition. When it comes to Kalpana swaras, her imagination soars, as she explores various patterns and notes with flair. The Devaranama and Muppina Shadakshari’s composition deserve special mention, both for their emotional depth and the tuneful crafting by Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar.

The success of the concert can also be credited to the accompanying musicians — Keshav Mohankumar, Radhesh and Manjunath — whose contributions were integral to the performance. Medha’s bright future as a vocalist is certainly promising.

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Hari Vidyalaya, an institution known for promoting Indian tradition and culture, celebrated Sankranti this year with a classical music concert. The event featured young Vidwan G.K. Manamohan Krishna, accompanied by Keshav Mohankumar (violin) and Anirudha Bhat (mridanga), kicking off a series of such concerts.

Manamohan has been thoroughly mentored by three distinguished Mysuru-based female artistes: Vidushis H.N. Rajalakshmi, Vasantha Sundararajan and Pushpa Srinivasan. This solid foundation has helped him carve a distinctive space for himself in the world of classical music. His commitment to music is clearly reflected in his singing.

Manamohan’s rendition of Vandisuvudadiyali Gananathana, a composition of Purandara Dasa, marked the beginning of a flawless, rigorous and impressive concert. The crisp Kalpana swaras added a layer of brilliance to the performance. He unfurled the majestic raga Shankarabharana with great finesse, each phrase resonating with raga bhava and evoking memories of the stalwarts of the past.

Vid. G.K. Manamohan Krishna presenting a music concert in city recently accompanied by Keshav Mohankumar on violin and Anirudha Bhat on mridanga.

His alapana, typically filled with rapid spirals, injected a sense of energy throughout the concert. This speed was maintained seamlessly, further enhancing the vibrancy of his performance. His rendition of Bhakti Bhikshameeyave by Tyagaraja included a well-structured neraval and Kalpana swaras.

Manamohan confidently tackled Jayamanohari, a challenging raga that combines Abhogi and Sriranjani in its ascending and descending scales. Shriramya Chitta by Tyagaraja was rendered with lively swaras, demonstrating his command over the raga. Following Marivere Gati Evvaramma by Shyama Shastri, the main raga of the day, Mandari, was elaborately explored.

Both Manamohan and Keshav brought out the essence of the raga, offering the audience a captivating experience. Keshav’s violin support was exemplary, enriching the musical experience.

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Anirudha Bhat’s imaginative strokes on mridanga also stood out, providing a rhythmic foundation that complemented the vocal performance.

The popular Nagumomu and Neene Doddavano brought the concert to a triumphant conclusion, showcasing a blend of energy and maturity in  Manamohan’s singing.

– Dr. Rama V. Bennur

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