Varied classical renditions

Cultural Feast

As part of the Bengaluru International Art Festival (BIAF), a Japanese drum performance and a light music rendition were held at H N Kalakshetra, National College, Jayanagar recently.

The two varied performances transported the audience to a different world altogether. The band, called Yoshiko Harada-SIONE from Fukuyama City, Japan, entertained the audience with their powerful and energetic performance.

The two drummers Yoshiko Harada and Ayumi Itoh showcased their expertise for more than an hour. These two ladies played various types of Wadaikos, Japanese drums and Shinobue, a kind of flute with much ease and passion. When Yoshiko Harada beat the big drum, the rhythm made the audience go crazy.

Next on stage was Bhava Chetana, a light music programme by a group of noted singers like Divya Raghavan, Supriya Acharya, Suchethan Rangaswamy and Ajay Warrior. They sang some of the popular bhavageethegalu which got a lot of appreciation from the audience.

The talented artistes commenced their performance with a devotional piece, Om Sachchidananda in group. Later Divya Raghavan entertained the audience with songs like Nakutanti, Amma Nanu Devarane and Ba Olave. Supriya Acharya enthralled one and all with her melodious renditions. She sang Mankuthimmana Kagga, Nee Sigade, Ghama Ghama and Deepavu Ninnade which was well-appreciated by the gathering.

Ajay Warrior, another singer of the day, was also appreciated when he rendered songs like Sanjeya Raagake, Hendathiyobbalu and Kodagana Koli Nungitta. Suchethan Ramaswamy compered the programme excellently by giving brief introduction to the poets and the music composers. He also crooned songs like Ello Hudukide, Entha Cheluve, Balegaara Chenniah and Chinnad Chitra.

“This is a platform to recognise the global voices that infuse the classical with dynamics. We wanted to represent India as an international destination and put Bangalore on the cultural map. In this third edition of the festival, we have put the theme as bhakti or devotion,” said Veena Murthy Vijay, the director of BIAF.

Janaki, a member of the audience, was delighted after watching the performances. “I was spellbound by the talent and energy of the Japanese ladies who put forth a magnificent show. I also enjoyed the popular bhavageethegalu like Deepavu Ninnade, Amma Nanu and Nee Sigade after a long time,” she said.