Focus on S V Narayanaswamy Rao

The S V Narayanaswamy Rao Memorial Award is billed as a national award. As is the Sri Ramanavami Music Fest of Sree Ramaseva Mandali.

The award was set up in 2001 to remember Rao and his service.
M S Subbulakshmi was its first recipient. Nedunuri Krishnamurthi, Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, M S Gopalakrishanan, K J Yesudoss, N. Ramani and Balamuralikrishna among others have been past recipients.

The award commemorates the founder of this organization and is an occasion to recall the small start that he made and the path taken. This is the 77th edition of the fest.

A large portrait of Rao stands alongside the big stage all through the fest.

Rao who served for six decades will get sharper focus on Sunday evening - celebrating Founders Day.

Sax, tavil and kanjira . .

Sridhar Sagar has been on stage at the Big Tent in Chamarajpet since 4.30 this Saturday evening.
With his saxophone. Sounding a tad loud even under the Big Tent. With a tavil and kanjira on the side, the volume trebles!

But when he catches from the corner of his eye, the entry of vidwan T V Gopalakrishnan, he lest the instrument slip and looks for the mike.

In faltering words, he offers his salutations to the guru. " I am a bit nervous now," he says as people gather to wish TVG. He waves his hand at Sagar, as if in acknowledgement.
TVG's sister takes her seat; she lives in Bangalore and her family are here for a special occasion - the decoration of TVG with an award.

Sagar seems to be regular on the Ramanavami circuit. Last year, he offered a copy of his new CD at Seshadripuram.

The 4.30 pm slots play to a near empty Tent here. Much like the 1.30pm recitals at Madras sabhas during the famed December Season.

The weekend's big concerts

The weekend brings some key events and concerts.

At Chamarajpet's Big Tent of Sree Rama Seva Mandali, Sangita Kalanidhi-decorated T V Gopalakrishan is to be decorated with a medal by the host and a concert by this vidwan from Chennai will follow.

Ranjani and Gayathri perform here on Sunday evening.

B K Anantram and Amit Nadig present a joint flute recital for Raja Rajeswari Nagar mandali at its venue in this area.
Here on Sunday evening, the Kirans and their sishyas will perform Bharatanatyam.

The Chennai-based Trichur Brothers, Srikrishna and Ramkumat present a vocal concert at Seshadripuram for the local mandali. They will perform on Sunday for Sri Jayarama Seva Mandali at its hall in Jayanagar's 8th Block.

Pantula Rama presents a vocal concert at Seshadripuram on Sunday evening.

First set of concerts of Raja Rajeswari Nagar mandali

Rajarajeshwari Nagar Cultural Association - Ramanavami Sangeethotsava 2015 is on at a new venue. Here is a report on the first few days here by the hosts -

Day 1 - Ramanavami 2015 starts with a bang!

Inauguration by the renowned writer Siddalingaiah followed by the mangalavaadya Clarionet recital by Vidwan Sudheendra & party

Day 2 - Carnatic vocal recital by Vidushi Kothapalli Vandana and team.

"Stick to Basics and Retain Classicism in order to provide a fulfilling musical performance" was the mantra of the evening when Vidushi Vandana enthralled the audience with her mellifluous voice and rich music. The main pieces for the evening were Appa Rama Bhakti Yentho Goppara in Kamavardhini followed by a very detailed Bhairavi and the Kriti Koluvaiyunnade. 

The artiste was supported ably by Vidushi Nalina Mohan on the Violin, Vidwan Srinivas on the Mridanga and Vidwan Dayananda Mohite on the Ghata.

Day 3 - Veena Recital by Vidushi Yogavandana and team

From Charukesi to Purvikalyani and everything in between..!!

This summarizes the Veena Performance by Vidushi Yogavandana, who was supported by Kumari Raksha on the Veena, Prof. V Krishna on the Mridanga and Vidwan Srishyla on the Ghata.

Big artistes are in USA

So why are some top rung musicians missing from the concert schedules this season in Bangalore?

Is it because the hosts cannot afford some of them?

Not really.

The Bangalore Season clashes with the bigger Aradhana in Cleveland, USA which is a mela the US witnesses on the eve of the Easter season.

Over 100 artistes from Chennai and around have flown to this Mecca to perform here where thousands of rasikas flock to. The aradhana starts on April 1 and runs for about a fortnight. Over recent times, dance has gained more space in the schedule and loads of American Indian artistes are being featured through collaboration and independent ventures.

One may not see many Bangalore based artistes in the schedule and that is a shame. Curator V V Sundaram may want to start looking at a crop of talented musicians here who must also get to that stage.

Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Lalgudi violin duo - today's big concerts

Two concerts featuring big time artistes today -

Sree Ramaseva Mandali: Old Fort High Court School Grounds, Chamarajapet, 6.30 p.m., Vocal recital by Sanjay Subramanyan and party. Ticketed.

Sri Seshadripuram Ramaseva Samithi: Violin duet by Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi and party, Seshadripuram College premises, Seshadripuram, 6.30 p.m.

Donations can be made at the gate.

16 member ensemble on stage; April 1

The Bangalore stage is giving space to lots of youngsters.

This evening, 16 musicians come together on one stage to present ensemble music. To be held at Sri Pattabhi Rama Temple in Jaya Nagar's 4th T Block, the musicians say that they will be the first percussion group to perform on this stage.

If you are here, share some notes and a photo - kutcheribuzz@gmail.com