Evoking nostalgia

A vocal concert brought nostalgic memories of the masters on Sunday. Pandit Prabhudev Sardar’s vocal was very impressive and impactful for his age.

For instance Malhar, which suited the season and occasion; The unhurried grace of Miya Malhar, stressing the Jiva Swaras gave it a distinct character.

A distinct imagery emerged in Marubehag also. The Ranga Geethe and Dadra again, enhanced the aesthetic feel of the recital and he concluded with a Thumri in Bhairavi. His deep, sonorous voice which aligned to a perfect sruthi, was a treat for the connoisseurs. The concert was held under the joint auspices of Nadashree and Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs.

Rajendra Nakod and Umakanth Puranik accompanied on tabla and harmonium, respectively.

Dazzling range

Kadri Gopalanath presented a saxophone recital on Saturday at the Ambedkar Bhavan (Vivus). His music was made for pleasant listening with popular appeal.

The recital unfolded the same panacea that has been associated with his chaste style. Endaro Mahanubhavulu, the popular Pancharathna Krithi was evocative and the Hamsanandi composition was appealing.

His spacious exposition of the Pallavi (Arunachala Nilaya) with a dazzling array of swaraprasthara, fulfiled the expectation of his fans.

Brisk Thana and Ragamalika further enhanced the exhilarating effect. Four percussionists — Hari Kumar (mridangam) N Amrith (khanjari), Rajendra Nakod (tabla) and B Rajasekhar (morching) — rose to great heights in their supporting roles, while violinist Vittala Rama Murthy gave a competent account of himself.

In the post thani, a number of small compositions were presented. Baro Krishnaiah, Venkatachala Nilayam, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma — were attractive with lilting melody.

A tribute to five elements

Ananya presented Arpana by the Arpana dance Company, S  California, on Tuesday at the Seva Sadana Hall.
They opened with Sandhya Aarthi to the reverberating sounds of conch and drums. Bho Shambo of Swami Dayananda Saraswathi was on cosmic dancer Shiva.

Pancha Bhootam was a visual presentation of the five elements earth, sky, water, wind and fire. A solo dance was performed to a film (Nagin) song also!

Kinnara Taiko — the Japanese American Budhistaiko group, with wine barrels like Taiko, also presented few pieces.

It was a mixed fare. Under the direction of Ramya Harishankar, nearly a dozen artistes performed with ease and gay abandon.