JOIN USTunes straight from the heart
The venue was overflowing with art-lovers, dressed in their very best. Old and young, flocked in with their families to see the ‘Saxophone Chakravarthy’ Kadri Gopalnath.
Among the audience, Captain G R Gopinath and former BBMP Commissioner Jayaraj were spotted. “There is a feeling of unity when one comes to the habba. Even if you come all alone, you will never feel alone,” said Saroja, a homemaker.
Hailing from Karnataka, Kadri took a liking to this Western instrument when he heard it being played at the Mysore Palace.
Today, when he plays the saxophone, he immediately makes all his listeners go into a trance-like state. Beginning his concert with a Sri Ganesha Sharanam bhajan, Kadri went to enthrall one and all with melodious tunes, including Bhagyada Lakshmi.
The playful energy and enthusiasm that his team showed on stage immediately reflected on the audience as well.
“It was a wonderful performance and a special mention should go to his accompaniments who kept upto him, both in terms of tempo and quality,” said Jayaraj.
This was then followed by an Odissi performance by Ileana Citaristi, an Italian who has mastered the dance form. Her performance not only reflected the Odissi culture but also the cultural significance and diversity of our nation.
The audience was spellbound looking at her expressions. The Indian Art Trail and the Sampoorn Craft Mela was in its full form, attracting innumerable craft-lovers while the Karnataka folk and tribal performances continue to entertain the audience.
At Seva Sadan, the play Vaasaamshi Jiraanaani directed by Sandeep Pai and translated by Girish Karnad, established a special connect with the audience thanks to its interesting plot.
Today’s Special
January 21
*Sampoorn Craft Mela and folk and tribal performances, 11 am onwards at Chitrakala Parishat.
*UNMAAD 2011, cultural fest, 10 am onwards at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.
*Mysore Mallige, a Kannada play directed by BV Rajaram, 7 pm at Seva Sadan, Malleswaram.