Sri Rama Navami concert by Smt. Ranjani Sivakumar

Carnatic Vocal Concert on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami by Smt.Ranjani Sivakumar.

• Date: April 1,Sunday, 2012
• Time: 6.15 pm - 7.30 pm
• Venue: Raamaalayam, Sri Sita Rama Anjaneya temple, Kondapur (landmark- opposite Google office, Jayabheri Silicon Towers.), Hyderabad.
• Accompanists: Sri.Oruganti Rajashekar (Violin), Sri.Burra Sriram (Mrudangam )

Ranjani Sivakumar Siddareddy is a disciple of Dr. Pantula Rama and was also trained under Sita Narayanan and N S Srinivasan. She was in the UK for quite sometime on deputation as a software engineer with TCS. Currently, she teaches music in Hyderabad. She has performed at several places in Chennai, Madurai, Vellore, Trivandrum and Hyderabad (source).

All are cordially invited.

Carnatic Vocal Concert on 24th July, 2010

Kalasagaram is organizing a grand Carnatic concert on 24th July 2010. The details are as follows. All are welcome.

Program : Carnatic Vocal Concert by Shri Kyvalya Kumar Chilla
Instrumental Support: Shri R. Dinakar on Violin and Shri Burra Sriram on Mridangam
Date : 24th July 2010
Venue : Keys High School for Girls, Secunderabad
Time : 6:30 PM

About the Artist:

Kyvalya Kumar had his initial training in Carnatic music from Smt. K. Annapurna at Parupalli Ramakrishnaiah Sangeetha Vidyalam, Vijayawada. Subsequently he came under the tutelage of 'Sangeeta Kala Tapaswi' Shri P.V.S. Seshaiah sastry, Retd. Pricipal of Govt. College of Music & Dance, Hyderabad. Presently he is taking advanced training under Smt. Lalitha Siva KUmar, Daughter-in-law of Smt. D.K. Pattammal, Chennai.

Kyvalya Kumar is a Diploma holder with distinction in Carnatic music, apart from Technical Teachers Certification given by Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. He won gold medal in Annamacharya Sankeetana competitions conducted by T.T.D. in 2001. He was given scholarship from 2002-2004 by the Central Govt. He is a 'B' grade artiste of AIR, Hyderabad. Kyvala Kumar performed at various important sabhas at Vizag, Vijayawada, Warangal, Khammam, Kakinada and Hyderabad. He has given concerts at Thyagaraja Vidwat Samajam and Brahmagana Sabha at Chennai. He has also sung for the TTD SVBC Channal, Hyderabad. Endowed with a vibrant voice, his music is steeped in pure classicism.

Carnatic Vocal Concerts by Smt. Ranjani Sivakumar

Smt. Ranjani Sivakumar, an AIR artist, is performing the following Carnatic vocal concerts in Hyderabad. All are invited.

• 14th March 2010
• Venue: Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Devasthanam, Opp. Sudarshan 35mm theatre, RTC X Roads, Hyderabad
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Accompanists: Violin - Sri Pavan Singh, Mridangam - Sri Burra Sriram
  

• 17th March 2010
• Venue: Sri Tyagaraja Gana Sabha, Chikkadpally, Hyderabad
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Accompanists: Violin - Smt Radhika, Mridangam - Sri Srinivasa Gopalan
  

• 23rd March 2010
• Venue: Ramalayam, Near Shilparamam, opp Satyam bldg, Kondapur, Hyderabad
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Accompanists: Violin - Sri Oruganti Rajashekar, Mridangam - Sri Shyam Kumar

96th Jayanthi Celebrations of "Sangeetha Ksheera Sagara" Late Sri Uppalapati Ankaiah garu

96th Jayanthi Celebrations of "Sangeetha Ksheera Sagara" Late Sri Uppalapati Ankaiah Garu will take place from 15th March to 18th March 2010 at Sri Kala Subba Rao Kala Vedika in Sri Thyagaraya Gana Sabha premises daily from 6:30 PM. All are cordially invited for the event. The program is as follows:

• 15th March 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Dr. Tadepalli Loka Nadha Sarma garu
• Vocal Support: Sri "Nihal" (K.V.Srinivas) Garu (Noted Music Composer, Music Director.& Playback Artiste)
• Violin: Sri Mangalampalli Surya Deepthi Garu ("A" Grade Staff Artist, Akashwani, Hyderabad)
• Mridangam: Sri Nemani Somayajulu Garu ("A" Grade Staff Artist, Akashwani, Hyderabad)
• Morsing: Sri P. Srinivasa Gopalan Garu ("A" Grade Artist, Akashwani)
  

• 16th March 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Kumari Kasturi Kamala Deepthi
• Violin: Sri Bhatti Pawan Singh Garu (Graded Artist, Akashwani, Hyderabad)
• Mridangam: Sri K. Srinivasa Rao Garu (Graded Artist, Akashwani, Hyderabad)
  

• 17th March, 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Smt. Ranjani Siva Kumar garu
• Voilin: Smt. Radhika Srinivasan Garu
• Mridangam: Sri P. Srinivasa Gopalan Garu ("A" Grade Artist, Akashwani, Hyderabad)
  

• 18th March 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Chi. Kumari Karthika Anagha
• Violin: Sri Oruganti Rajasekhar Garu (Graded Artist, Akashwani, Hydeabad)
• Mridangam: Sri T. P. Balasubrahmanyam Garu

A brief biography of "Sangeetha Ksheera Sagara" Late Sri Uppalapati Ankaiah garu in telugu can be read from here (will post a translation soon). Also found some rare pictures of Ankaiah garu here.

51st Annual Festival Of Music And Dance By SICA - 2010

SICA, Hyderabad is organizing its 51st annual festival of music and dance at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad from 9th March to 17th March, 2010. Everyday the program starts at 6:30 PM. Season passes will be available for Rs. 400 and Rs. 300. Daily passes can also be purchased at the venue before the program for Rs. 100, Rs. 50 and Rs. 30. Contact numbers are 9849124675, 9246161420 and 27425374. I strongly urge everyone to become members of SICA and patronage them. Membership can be taken at the venue on any of the days of the programs. The program is given below.

• 9th March, 2010: Vocal Concert By T M Krishna
• 10th March 2010: Vocal Concert By P Unnikrishnan
• 11th March 2010: Chitra Veena By Ravi Kiran
• 12th March 2010: Vocal Concert By Sankaran Namboodiri
• 13th March 2010: Carnatic Vocal Duet By Priya Sisters
• 14th March 2010: Srinivasa Vybhavam - Dance Ballet By Anitha Guha
• 17th March 2010: Violin Recital By M Chandrasekaran

Carnatic Vocal Concert by Lavanya Sundararaman

As a part of Kalasagaram Annual Youth Festival of Music, Kum. Lavanya Sundararaman presented an excellent carnatic vocal concert on 13th Feburary 2010. Sri R. Dinakar gave support on violin, Sri Burra Sriram on Mridangam, Smt. K. Radha Padmaja on morsing and Shri Ramakrishna on shruthi.

Photo Courtesy: ivrcl2 Picasa Album

About the artist:

Lavanya hails from a family of musicians. Great grand daughter of Mridangam Maestro Late Palghat SriIyer T.S. Mani and also Gana Saraswathi Padma Vibhushan Late Smt. D.K. Pattammal. Grandfather Sri I. Sivakumar is a renowned musician; mother Smt. Gayathri Sundararaman is a well established vocalist. She is the niece of the famous Kalaimamani Dr. Nithyasree Mahadevan. She is very fortunate to have started carnatic vocal music from a very tender age from her illustrious great grand mother Smt. D.K. Pattammal. Her grandmother Smt. Lalitha Sivakumar is her mentor and is undergoing rigorous training under her in the nuances of carnatic music. Dr. Nithyasree Mahadevan is helping her in voice culture and her mother Smt. Gayathri Sundararaman is her driving force and also trains her. She took her initial bala padam from Sri Poorna Pragya Rao.

Kum. Lavanya won carnatic vocal music scholarship given by Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Group of Schools from 2000 to 2006. She has won several prizes in music competitions conducted by many prestigious institutions such as Narada Gana Sabha , Mylapore Fine Arts, Music Academy, Chennai etc.,. She has given concerts not only in India but also abroad in countries like Sri Lanka, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia. She has presented thematic programmes such as Muthuswami Dikshitar Kritis, Subramanya Bharathirar Kritis, Oothukkadu Venkatasubbier Kritis, Papanasam Sivan Kritis, Muthaiah Bhagavathar Kritis etc. She was awarded the Title of 'Tamil Isai Kuyil' by Toronto Tamil Sangam. She has also sung in a few albums with Nithyasree Mahadevan and also in solo programmes. At present, she is doing her B. Music course in Queen Maris College, Chennai. A chip off the old block, Lavanya possesses a sweet voice and holds great promise for the future in the carnatic music realm.

The Concert:

My personal favorites from the concert are 'Manasa Etulorthune', 'Bharatha Samudayam Vazhgave' and the Krishna bhajan of Swathi Thirunal.

1. Nee Daya Raada Neerajakshi (Varnam) - Andolika - Adi - GNB (Lyrics)
2. Vinata Suta Vahana Shri Ramana - Jayantasena - Deshadi - Tyagaraja (Lyrics)
3. Makelara Vicharamu - Ravi Chandrika - Deshadi - Tyagaraja (Lyrics)
   Swaras
   
4. Manasa Etulorthune - Malayamarutham - Rupaka - Tyagaraja (Lyrics)
   Alapana, Neravel and Swaras @ 'Kalilo Rajasa Taamasa Gunamulu Galavaari Chelimi'
5. Kancha Dalaayataakshi Kaamakshi - Kamala Manohari - Adi - Muthuswami Dikshitar (Lyrics)
6. Marakoti Sundari Manini - Bahudari - Adi - GNB (Lyrics)
7. Eppadi Padinaro - Devagandhari - Adi - Suddhananda Bharati (Lyrics)
   Short Alapana
   
8. Parvati Ninnu Ne Neranammithi - Kalgada - Adi - Shyama Shastri (Lyrics)
   
9. Nenarunchinanu - Malavi - Adi - Tyagaraja (Lyrics)
10. Innumum Sandhehappadalamo Isha - Keeravani - Chapu - Gopalakrishna Bharatiyaar (Lyrics)
    Alapana, Neravel and Swaras @ 'Ponnambalam Tanil Tandavamadiya', Taniavarthanam
    
11. Bharatha Samudayam Vazhgave - Adi - Subramania Bharatiyar (Lyrics*)
12. Aye Girdhar Dware Mere Gori - Subha Panthuvarali - Adi - Swathi Tirunal (Lyrics**)
13. Punkuyil Kuvum Punjcolaiyil Orunal - Todi - Adi - Kalki (Lyrics)
14. Thillana
15. Shanti Nilava Vendum - Tilang - Sethumadhava Rao - Adi (Lyrics)
16. Nine Anatha Bandhu Karunya Sindhu - NadanamakriyA - Chapu - Purandara Dasa (Lyrics***)
17. Bhavamana - Mangalam - Sourashtra - Adi - Thyagaraja
    

* Lyrics from the cache copy of this page which is not accessible anymore.
P: bhArata samudAyam vAzhgavE vAzhga vAzhga
bhArata samudAyam vAzhgavE jaya jaya jaya
A: muppadu kOTi janangaLin sanga muzhumaikkumpOdu uDamai
oppilAda samudAyam ulagattirkk-oru pudumai vAzhga
C1: manidar uNavai manidar parikkum vazhakkam ini uNDO
manidar nOha manidar pArkkum vAzhkkai iniyuNDO (nalmilanda)
2: iniya mozhigaL neDiya vayangaL eNNarum peru nADu
kaniyum kizhangum dhAnyangaLum kaNakkinrit-taru nADu idu
kaNakkinrit-taru nADu nitta nittam kanakkinrittaru nADu vAzhga
3: ini oru vidhi sheivOm adai enda nALum kAppOm
taniyoruvanukk-uNavillaiyenil jagattinai azhittiDuvOm vAzhga
4: ellA uyirgaLilum tAnE irukkirEn enruraittAn kaNNa perumAn
ellArum amara nilaiyeidu nan muraiyai indiyA ulagirkk-kaLikkum Am
indiA ulagairk-kaLikkum Am Am indiA ulagirk-kaLikkum vAzhga
5: ellArumOr kulam ellArumOr inam ellArum indiA makkaL
ellArumOr nirai ellArumOr vilai ellArum innATTu mannar nAm
ellArum innATTu mannar Am ellArum innATTu mannar vAzhga

** Lyrics from the cache copy of this page which is not accessible anymore.
P: AyE girdhar dvArE mErE gOrI
C1: amjan adhar lalAT mahAbar nayan unInde cal AyE
rayan samay prabhu chal bal karikE kaun tiyA ku birmAyE
2: bin guN mAl virAjat hiya mem drDha gal baiyA sukh pAyE
brajA nArI ku bancan karkE kaisE prItam sukh pAyE
3: sOlA singAr kari phUlan kE hAr liyE vividh sugandh sE man bhAyE
baiThI thI mO man kE sAthI kumud sarOvar kumhAlayE
4: sukh kE kAran dukh kE nivAran madhuvan murali dhun gAyE
padmanAbh prabhu phaNi parashAyI kOTi mAyan tan chavi chAvE

*** Lyrics from the cache copy of this page which is not accessible anymore.
P: nInE anAtha bandhu kAruNya sindhu
1: patigaiLiddarEnu satiya bhangakodagalilla
gati nInE mukundanendareativEgadi akSayavitte krSNa
2: matagajavella kUDidarEnu adara samayakodagalilla
madanayya madhusUdananendare mundindali bandodagide krSNa
3: shileya meTTi kulake tande baliya bEDi satpadaviyanitte
sulabadhi bhajisuva bhaktara salahuva celuva purandara viTTalarAya

Kalasagaram Annual Youth Festival of Music

Kalasagaram and Sharada Cultural Trust presents G.N.B. Centenary Celebrations Concerts in Annual Youth Festival of Music (Talent Promotion Concerts). Venue is Keys High School, Secbad and time is 6:30 PM. Entry is free.

• 12th Feb 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Master D.L. Prachotan (Disciple of Sri D. Raghava Chary of Hyderabad Brothers).
• 13th Feb 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Kum. Lavanya Sundararaman (Disciple and Great Grand-Daughter of Smt. D.K. Pattammal)
  
• 14th Feb 2010: Carnatic Vocal by Sri Sandeep Narayan (Disciple of Sri Sanjay Subrahmanyam)
  

Sorry for posting this really late. I came to know about the programs just yesterday.

Carnatic Vocal Concert by Smt. Gayatri Girish

I had the good fortune of attending the Carnatic vocal concert by Smt. Gayatri Girish at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad on 25th June 2009. The program was organized by SICA, Hyderabad. It was a brilliant concert which presented the Carnatic music in its purest form. Violin support was given by Sri Mysore Srikanth, mridangam by Sri Neyveli Skandasubhramanyum and morsing by Sri Srinivasa Gopalan. Here is the entry of the concert on Gayatri Girish's blog.

Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

I am very thankful to Smt. Gayatri Girish for graciously gaving permission to host the MP3s of the concert on this blog. Please note the disclaimer below.

Please note that the MP3s hosted here are only for personal and learning purposes. Please do not use them for commercial purpose. Please respect the artist by not violating the disclaimer.

1. Introduction (MP3)
2. Sami Ninne Koriyunnanu - Varnam - Sri - Adi - Garbhapuri (Lyrics, MP3)
3. Siddhi Vinayakam - Shanmukhapriya - Rupaka - Muththuswamy Dikshithar (S) (Lyrics, MP3)
4. Marivere Gati Evaramma - Anandabhairavi - Misra Chapu - Shyama Sastry (R, S) (Lyrics, MP3)
5. Lokavana Chatura Pahimaam - Begada - Adi - Thyagaraja (Lyrics, MP3)
6. Navaratna Vilasa Vaibhava - Navaratna Vilasam - Adi - Muththuswamy Dikshithar (MP3)
7. Idathu Padham Thookki - Khamas - Adi - Papanasam Sivan (Lyrics, MP3)
8. Kamalambam Bhajare - Kalyani - Adi - Dikshitar (R, N, S, T) (Lyrics, MP3)
9. Irakkam Varamal - Behag - Rupaka - Gopalakrishna Bharathi (Lyrics, MP3)
10. Indhira Naamamu - Kalyana Vasantham - Adi - Annamacharya (Lyrics, MP3)
11. Gopigopala - Gamanasrama - Adi - Surdas (MP3)
12. Anjanavannani - Kapi - Adi - Pasuram (MP3)
13. "Shantakarma Bhujagashayanam" Slokam - Saveri, Jog, Dhanyasi, Surati
    Sri Venkata Girisham - Surati - Adi - Dikshitar (Lyrics, MP3)
14. Thillana - Sindubhairavi - Adi - Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaier (MP3)
15. Bhavamana - Mangalam - Sourashtra - Adi - Thyagaraja (MP3)

You can download the entire concert into two zip files: File 1, File 2.

[Update: 3rd July 2009] Article about the concert in Hindu Friday Review.

SICA Programs: 25th and 26th June

Organized by: SICA, Hyderabad
Venue: Ravindra Bharathi
Time: 6:30 PM

25th June: Carnatic vocal concert by Gayatri Girish.
26th June: Mandolin concert by Arvind Bhargav

Entry is free for SICA members. Tickets will be available for the non-members at the venue before the concert.

Carnatic Concert by Sri Vijay Siva

As part of 19th Annual Cultural Festival and 162nd Aradhana of Satguru Sri Thyagaraja Swamy, Sharada Cultural Trust organized a week long music festival from 24th January 2009 to 1st February 2009 at Keys High School, Secunderabad. On 25th January, Sri N. Vijay Siva rendered an excellent carnatic vocal concert. He was accompanied by Sri R.K. Srirama Kumar on violin, Sri N. Manoj Siva on mridangam and Trichy Sri K. Murali on ghatam.

Courtesy: Link

1. Introduction
   
2. Sarasuda Ninne Kori - Varnam - Saveri - Adi - Kothavaasal Venkataraamaiyyar (Lyrics)
3. Innum Paramukham Eno - Begada - Rupakam - Doraisami Iyer
   Neraval and Swarams @ 'Vanna Thogai Mayil'
4. Marakatha Mani Varna Rama - Varali - Adi - Thyagaraja (Lyrics)
   Neraval and Swarams @ 'Dharani Tanayakunna Prema Rasamu'
5. O Jagadamba Nannu Amba - AnandhaBhairavi - Adi - Shyama Sastry (Lyrics)
6. Sri Balasubramanya - Bilahari - Misrachapu - Muththuswamy Dikshithar
   Neraval and Swarams @ 'Abala Gopa Viditha Deena Sharanya'
   
7. Ramabhi Rama Manasu - Dhanyasi - Adi - Thyagaraja
   
8. Nadachi Nadachi Chuchera - Kharaharapriya - Adi - Thyagaraja (Lyrics)
   Swaramas @ 'Nadachi Nadachi Chuchera'
   Taniavarthanam
9. Enganum Vara Varakanisangal Illamal - Kalyani - Adi - Kavi Kunjara Bharathi
   
10. Tridaksha Vardhaki - Ragamalika - Narayana Bhattadri (Link)
11. Thiruvazhat Thiruvazhi Sankham Vaazhat - Ragamalika - Adi - Sri Koneri Appanaiyengar (Lyrics)
12. Harivasaradha Upavasa - Sindhubhairavi - Purandara Dasu
    
13. Bhagyatha Lakshmi Baramma - Madhyamavathi - Adi - Purandara Dasu (Lyrics)
14. Tirruppugazh - Mohana - Adi - Arunagirinadha
    
15. Bhavamana - Mangalam - Sourashtra - Adi - Thyagaraja
    

[12th March 2009 - Update: The MP3 files have been removed at the request of the artist.]

Concert by Sri O.S. Thyagarajan

A grand carnatic vocal concert by Sri O.S. Thyagarajan took place at Keys High School, Secunderabad on 7th February 2009. The violin support was given by Delhi Sri P. Sundara Rajan, mrudangam by Chidambaram Sri S. Balashankar and ghatam by Sri Nemani Somayajulu. It was organized by Sri Chandrasekharendra Sangeetha Educational Society as a part of their 10th annual music festival.

Photo Courtesy: The HinduIf there are any copyright issues for putting the MP3s for free download, please let me know. I will remove the access to files in that case. I am hoping that the MP3s downloaded from here are ONLY for personal use and will NOT be used for commercial purposes.

1. Introduction (MP3)
   
2. Sami Daya Jooda (Varnam) - Kedara Gowla - Adi - Tiruvottiyur Thyagayya (MP3, Lyrics)
3. Evarani Nirnayinchirira - Devamruthavarshini - Adi - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
4. Ilalo Pranatarti Harudanucu - Atana - Adi - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
5. Nemamu Tho - Lathangi - Adi - Tiruvottiyur Thyagayya (MP3)
   - Ragalapana, Neraval @ 'Samaja Varadayani Ninnepudu'
   
6. Enrikku Shiva Krupai Varumo - Mukhari - Misra Chapu - Neelakaanta Shivan (MP3, Lyrics, Lyrics)
7. Karanam Kettu Vaadi - Purvi Kalyani - Adi - Gopalakrishna Bharathi (MP3, Lyrics)
8. Shridhara Pahi Dayakara - Jayantashri - Rupaka - Mysore Vasudevacharya (MP3)
   
9. Ninne Nammi Nanu - Thodi - Misra Chapu - Shyama Sastry (MP3)
   - Ragalapana, Neraval @ 'Kamakshi Kanchadalayathakshi', Taniavarthanam
   
10. Eppovaruvaro - Jonpuri - Adi - Gopalakrishna Bharathi (MP3, Lyrics)
11. Momu Joopara - Behag - Rupaka - Annamacharya (MP3)
    
12. Nadupai - Madhyamavathi - Khandachapu - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
    Mangalam

The entire concert can be downloaded in two zip files: file1 and file2.

SICA Hyderabad - Kalyani Balakrishna Iyer Memorial Concert on 11th Feb 2009

SICA Hyderabad is organizing Grand Carnatic Vocal Concert (Kalyani Balakrishna Iyer Memorial Concert) by "Carnatica Brothers" Sri K.N. Sashikiran & P. Ganesh (Vocal Duet) on 11th Feb 2009 at 6:30 PM at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad. Violin support by Sri V.L. Kumar, Mridangam by Sri M.L.N. Raju and Morsing by Sri P. Srinivasagopalan.

Carnatica Brothers: Grandsons of legendary Gottuvadhyam Narayana Iyengar, Sashikiran and Ganesh are cousins who sing as the vocal duo "Carnatic Brothers". The duo have stormed the carnatic music world at the age of two as child prodigies and have since emerged as front-ranking musicians. They had their advanced training under "Sangita Kalanidhi" Brida and also from T. Viswanathan and Calcutta K. S. Krishna Murthy. They have performed extensively in India and in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia & UAE. They now have a vast experience of over 3500 concerts, lecture demonstrations, jugal bandis and fusion concerts. They have garnered critical acclaim and popularity with their emotive style of singing and their strict adherence to classicism.

In Sept. 2006, Shashikiran and Ganesh performed a marathon 24 hours concerts - a stupendous task considering the fact that they did not take a single break during the entire 24 hours. The concert was dedicated to all those who lost their lives in various natural calamities and terrorist strikes and to mark the World Peace Day.

The brothers have been accompanied by senior stalwards like "Sangita Kalanidhis" Umayalpuram Sivaraman, T.K. Murthy, Vellore Ramabadran and others. They are the Asthana Vidwans of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Recipients of numerous awards and titles: 'Best Vocalist" from CMANA, USA (1998), Bharath Nirman Excellence Award for meritorious achievements in diverse fields, "Outstanding Young Indian" by Jaycees Special Millennium Honour Award, Music Adacemy's "Best Ragam Tanam Pallavi" Award 2004, "Isai Chudar" from Sri Ragam Fine Arts, Barath Kalachar's Yuva Kala Bharathi Award (2002) etc.

South Indian Cultural Association Golden Jubilee Year Music & Dance Festival

SICA, Hyderabad is organizing its "Golden Jubilee Year Music & Dance Festival" from 2nd March 2009 to 6th March 2009, daily at 6:30 PM at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad. Season donor passes for members of SICA at Rs. 200 per member (admit two); for non-members at higher rates. Tickets available at the venue before the concert. Schedule for concert:

• 2nd March 2009: Sri Nedunuri Krishna Murthy (Carnatic Vocal)
• 3rd March 2009: Smt Ranjani & Smt Gayatri (Carnatic Vocal Duet)
  
• 4th March 2009: Sri GJR Krishnan & Sri Karthik Seshadri (Violin and Sitar; Carnatic - Hindustani Jugal Bandi)
• 5th March 2009: Smt. Vani Jayaram (Multilingual Devotional Music)
• 6th March 2009: Kum. Yamini Reddy (Kuchipudi Dance)
  

A Memorable Concert by Hyderabad Brothers

The familiar voices of Sri D. Raghavachary and D. Seshachary filled me with a feeling of sanctity and holiness as I was listening to them at Ravindra Bharathi. The carnatic concert by the duo popularly known as Hyderabad Brothers was organized by SICA on 2nd January 2009 as part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations. While their concert included popular krithis like 'Tarunam Idamma' (Gowli Panthu), 'Bagayennayya' (Chandrajyothi), 'Ennadu Joothuno' (Kalavathi), they also presented rare numbers like 'Neekela Dayaradu' (Sarasangi) and 'Ethanai Sonnalum' (Saveri). The main piece of the evening was in Thodi with Shyama Sastry's 'Ninne Namminanu'. The rendition of the raga was elaborate with a perfect neraval and swaram. Another noteworthy presentation was Dikshitar's 'Parandhamavathi Jayati' in 'Dharmavathi'. The neraval 'Paramjyothi Vikasini Paramatma Prakashini' was executed excellently. The concert ended with Papanasam Sivan's 'Ennatavam Seydanai Yasoda' in 'Kapi' and 'Krishna Nee Begane Baaro' in 'Yamuna Kalyani'. The violin support by Surya Deepthi was melodious and his response to the vocals was commendable. Kaliprasad on mridangam and Shyamkumar on kanjira provided perfect percussion support that got reflected especially in the Taniavarthanam. Sri Seshachary was very active and enthusiastic throughout the concert cheering the accompanists with an occasional encouraging remark.

Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

You can listen to the recording of the concert by following the links below. The entire concert can also be downloaded from file1 and file2.
If there are any copyright issues for putting the MP3s for free download, please let me know. I will remove the access to files in that case. I am hoping that the MP3s downloaded from here are ONLY for personal use and will NOT be used for commercial purposes.

1. Valachi Vachchi - Navaragamalika Varnam - Adi - Patnam Subramanya Iyer (MP3, Lyrics)
2. Tarunam Idamma - Gowli Panthu - Adi - Shyama Shastri (MP3, Lyrics)
3. Sabapathikku Veru Devam Samanamaguma - Rupaka - Abhogi - Gopalakrishna Bharathi (MP3, Lyrics)
4. Bagayanayya Nee Maya Lentho - Adi - Chandrajyothi - Tyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
5. Nee Kela Dayaradu - Khanda Chapu - Sarasangi - Ramaswamy Sivan (MP3)
6. Ennadu Joothuno - Adi - Kalavathi - Tyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
7. Parandhamavathi Jayati - Rupaka - Dharmavathi - Muthuswami Dikshitar (MP3)
   Neraval & Swaras at "Paramjyothi Vikasini Paramatma Prakashini"
8. Ninne Nammi Nanu - Misra Chapu - Thodi - Shyama Shastri (MP3)
   Neraval & Swaras at "Kamakshi Kanjadalayatakshi"
   Thaniavartanam
9. Ethanai Sonnalum - Adi - Saveri - Vaidkeeswaram Koil Subbarayar (MP3)
10. Muttavaddu Ra Nannipudu (Javali) - Adi - Saveri - Chinniah (Tanjavur Quartette)* (MP3)
11. Ennatavam Seydanai Yasoda - Adi - Kapi - Papanasam Sivan (MP3, Lyrics)
12. Krishna Nee Begane Baaro - Chapu - Yamuna Kalyani - Vyasaraya (MP3, Lyrics)
    Bhavamana (Mangalam) - Adi - Sourashtra - Tyagaraja

* Courtesy : Meena (See comments)
Links: The review about the concert in 'The Hindu'.

Concert by Hyderabad Brothers

SICA Hyderabad is organizing carnatic concert by Hyderabad Brothers on 2nd January 2009 at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad. The concert starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets for non-members can be obtained at the venue.

Carnatic Vocal Concert by Maharajapuram Srinivasan

The carnatic vocal concert by Sri Maharajapuram Srinivasan on the second day of Vinjamuri Memorial Concerts at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad had the trademark of the legendary Maharajapuram music family. Sri Srinivasan was accompanied by his son Maharajapuram Ganesh Viswanathan on vocal. Voilin support was provided by Sri Parur M.A.Krishnaswamy and support on mridangam was provided by Sri Tanjore Kumar.

The concert started with varnam in kaanada. The next two were compositions by Muthuswamy Dikshitar in Malahari and Naata. After the Tyagararaja's composition 'Vinayakuni Valenu', a brief sketch of Sudhdha Dhanyasi was rendered followed by 'Narayana Ninna Namada' composition by Purandara Dasa. Annamacharya's composition 'Gummani Yedi' in Poorvi Kalyani was executed beautifully with the neravel 'Venkatapathi Yani Vedanilayudani Pankajanabhuni Padero' being the highlight. Dr. Vinjamuri's composition 'Narasimha Nannu Brovara' was rendered next in Bilahari.
The fast paced 'Raghuvamsa Sudha' in Kadanakuthoohala was rendered before the main piece of evening Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi with pallavi 'Thenpazhani Vadivelane Deivanai Manalane'. Tani avarthanam in the next composition 'Ksheenamai Tiruga' in Mukhari was perfect with Ganesh's vocals. The last part of the concert had brief compositions of Purandara Dasa, 'Neerajadala Nayana Krishna' in Mand and the tamil composition 'Vilaiyada Idhu Nerama Muruga'. The concert ended on a electrifying note with the composition 'Bho Shambho Siva Shambho Swayambho' in Revathi. It was a perfect concert for both Rasikas and casual carnatic music listeners.

Photo Courtesy: IndiansArts.com

You can find the recording of the entire concert below. You can download the entire concert in three zip files: Zip File-1, Zip File-2 and Zip File-3.
If there are any copyright issues for putting the MP3s for free download, please let me know. I will remove the access to files in that case. I am hoping that the MP3s downloaded from here are ONLY for personal use and will NOT be used for commercial purposes.

1. Introduction (MP3-1,MP3-2,MP3-3)
2. Nera Nammithi - Varnam (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Kanada. Talam: Ata. Composer: Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar.
3. Pancha Maathanga Mukha (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Malahari. Talam: Rupaka. Composer: Muthuswamy Dikshithar.
4. Swaminatha Paripalayasumam (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Naata. Talam: Adi. Composer: Muthuswamy Dikshithar.
5. Vinayakuni Valenu (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Madhyamavathi. Talam: Adi. Composer: Tyagaraja.
6. Narayana Ninna Namada (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Sudhdha Dhanyasi. Talam: Adi. Composer: Purandara Dasa.
7. Raghuvira Ranadhira Rara Rajakumara (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Huseni. Talam: Rupaka. Composer: Tyagaraja.
8. Gummani Yedi (MP3, Lyrics)
   Ragam: Poorvi Kalyani. Talam: Adi. Composer: Annamacharya
   Neraval : Venkatapathi Yani Vedanilayudani Pankajanabhuni Padero.
9. Narasimha Nannu Brovara (MP3)
   Ragam: Bilahari. Talam: Misra Chapu. Composer: Dr. Vinjamuri.
10. Raghuvamsa Sudha (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Kadanakuthoohala. Talam: Adi. Composer: Patnam Subramanya Iyer.
11. RTP (MP3)
    Pallavi: Thenpazhani Vadivelane Deivanai Manalane.
12. Ksheenamai Tiruga (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Mukhari. Talam: Adi. Composer: Tyagaraja.
    Tani Avarthanam.
13. Neerajadala Nayana Krishna (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Mand. Talam: Adi. Composer: Mannargudi Sambasiva Bagavathar Iyer.
14. Govinda Ninna Namave Chanda (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Janasammodhini. Talam: Adi. Composer: Purandara Dasa.
15. Kelo Sachcharitha (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Ragamalika. Talam: Adi. Composer: Purandara Dasa.
16. Ragi Thandira (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Kalyanavasantham. Talam: Adi. Composer: Purandara Dasa.
17. Vilaiyada Idhu Nerama Muruga (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Shanmukhapriya. Talam: Adi. Composer: T.N. Bala.
18. Bho Shambho Siva Shambho Swayambho (MP3, Lyrics)
    Ragam: Revathi. Talam: Adi. Composer: Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
19. Bhavamana (Mangalam) (MP3)
    Ragam: Saurashram. Talam: Adi. Composer: Thyagaraja.

A Pure Carnatic Evening by Smt. R. Vedavalli

The carnatic concert by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Smt. R. Vedavalli on 21st October 2008 at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad offered classical music in its purest form to the audience. The concert was organized by SICA, Hyderabad in the memory of Dr. Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar. Smt. Vedavalli, known for presenting the carnatic music in its pure and holy form, rendered the compositions of the trinity of carnatic music along with compositions of Patnam Subramanya Iyer, Mysore Vasudevacharya and Purandara Dasa. Smt. Charulatha Ramanujam provided support on violin and Sri K. Sivakumar on mridangam. Smt. Sumathi, Smt. Vedavalli's disciple, provided vocal support.

The concert started with the Ghanaragamalika Varnam composed by Dr. Vinjamuri, in whose honor this concert was organized by SICA, Hyderabad. The next few compositions in Rudrapriya, Vachaspathi and Marga Hindolam set the mood for a perfect evening. After the ragalapana of Panthuvarali and a short krithi of Shyama Sastri in Manji, the main highlight of the evening 'Ekamresa Nayaki' composed by Dikshitar set to raga Shanmukhapriya was rendered. The ragalapana was in great detail and the rendering of the words reflected the bhavam of the composition. The concert ended with short compositions in Suruthi, Abheri and Kaanada. Overall, it was a wonderful and memorable concert.

Photo Courtesy: Google Pages

The entire concert is recorded. You can download the full concert in the form of two zip files: file 1 and file 2. You can find the individual MP3s below.

If there are any copyright issues for putting the MP3s for free download, please let me know. I will remove the access to files in that case. I am hoping that the MP3s downloaded from here are ONLY for personal use and will NOT be used for commercial purposes.

1. Introduction (MP3)
2. Ghanaragamalika Varnam - Adi- Nata,Gowla,Arabhi,Sri,Varali - Dr.Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar (MP3)
3. Gananayakam - Adi - Rudrapriya - MuthuswamiDikshitar (MP3, Lyrics)
4. Yennadu Nee Krupa - Adi - Vachaspati - Patnam Subramanya Iyer (MP3, Lyrics)
5. Chalamelara Saketa Rama - Adi - Marga Hindolam - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
6. Ninnu Nera Namminanura - Rupaka - Panthuvarali - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
7. Brovavamma Tamasa - Misra Chapu - Manji - Shyama Sastri (MP3, Lyrics)
8. Ekamresa Nayaki - Adi - Shanmukhapriya - Muthuswami Dikshitar (MP3)
   Neravel : 'kAnchi nagara nivAsini'
   Thani Avarthanam
9. Slokam - Pathiki Harathire - Adi - Suruthi - Thyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
10. Gokulanilaya Krupaalaya Paalaya - Adi - Abheri - Mysore Vasudevacharya (MP3, Lyrics)
11. Sreekantha Enagistu Daya Mado Than De - Misra Chapu - Kaanada - Purandara Dasa (MP3, Lyrics)
12. Thillana (MP3)
13. Bhavamana (Mangalam) - Adi - Saurashram - Thyagaraja (MP3)

The Hindu gave the following review about the concert:

South Indian Cultural Association (SICA) has been religiously holding memorial concerts of Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar, since his demise in 1999, with the assistance of the musician’s family. Most of the vocalists who are invited are senior musicians, who either know Iyengar directly or have full knowledge of the late musician’s contribution. Invariably, they include one or two compositions of this late veteran composer-vocalist, in their repertoire.

R.Vedavalli of Chennai who gave concert on the opening day of this year’s two-day memorial festival held at Ravindra Bharathi, opened with Varadaraja Iyengar’s Ghanaraga malika varnam with swarakalpana in each of the respective Ghana ragas. Vedavalli, as many would know, is a Sangeetha Kalanidhi of Madras Music Academy and is on various expert committees too. No wonder, she took time to set her aging voice in order and once she did it, the concert gained momentum.

Vinjamuri Memorial Concerts at Hyderabad

SICA, Hyderabad is organizing two day Vinjamuri Memorial Concerts at Hyderabad on 21s and 22nd October. On 21st October, it is carnatic vocal by Smt. R. Vedavalli and on 22nd October, carnatic vocal by Maharajapuram Srinivasan. The programs take place at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad and everyday it starts at 6:30 PM.
Vinjamuri Memorial Concerts are held every year in the honor of Dr. Vinjamuri Varadaja Iyengar (July 15, 1915 - August 16, 1991). He is a very renowned musican and composer. He has been awarded the titles Gana Kalanidhi, Gayaka Ratna, Sangeetha Jyothi, Sangeetha Ratnaakara, and Gana Vidya Visarada to mention a few. SICA, Hyderabad is organizing his memorial concerts to pay homage to him since 1992.

SICA, Hyderabad invitation gives the following excerpt about Dr. Vinjamuri:

Hailing from Guntur district in A.P. Sri Varadaraja Iyengar was a unique personality. He was a Musician, Musicologist and a composer. He belonged to the Sishyaparampara of Saint Thyagaraja.
His first Guru Sri Piratla Sankara Sastry belonged to Veena Kuppaier School, while his late Guru Sri Tiger Varadachary, belonged to Manambuchavadi Venkata Subramanya Iyer School. Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyenger imbibed the best of these traditions. He considered late Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar as another guru and in fact he was often called 'Kutti Ariyakkudi of A.P.'
Sri Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar was with AIR, Chennai and Hydeabad for a long time and was mainly instrumental in propagating Bhakthi Music over AIR.
Among the numerous awards received by him 'Ganakalanidhi' conferred on him in 1958 is the most prestigious one. He was closely associated with the South Indian Cultural Association (SICA), Hyderabad and was its Vice President for some time.
Even since his demise in 1991, SICA has been organising the 'Vinjamuri Memorial Concerts' every year as a tribute to and in memory of this great Musician, Musicologist and Composer, jointly with the Vinjamuri Trust.

Carnatic Classical Week

I am really looking forward for the week ahead. SICA, Hyderabad is organizing five day event of carnatic music. The programs take place at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad and everyday it starts at 6:30 PM. The program is:

• September 15th: Carnatic Violin by A. Kanyakumari
• September 16th: Carnatic Vocal by TV Shankaranarayan
• September 17th: Carnatic Vocal by Neyveli Santanagopalan
• September 18th: Veena Fusion by Rajhesh Vaidhya
• September 19th: Carnatic Vocal by Bombay Jayashri

Hoping to have lot of fun!

Concert by Smt. Vasundhara Rajagopalan

Sri Lakshmi Nrisimha Swamy Seva Samathi, Hyderabad-Secunderabad organized a 5 day mega musical festival from 28th May to 1st June, 2008 at Keys Girls High School, Secunderabad. As a part of it, on 31st May 2008 carnatic vocal concert by Smt. Vasundhara Rajagopalan was organized. She was accompanied by Sri Dwaram Satyanarayana Rao on violin, Sri Nemani Somayajulu on ghatam, Sri K. Shyam Kumar on Kanjira and Sri Borra Sriram on Mridangam. I thoroughly enjoyed the concert which included the ragas Kambhoji, Vasanta Bhairavi, Kamala Manohari, Hamir Kalyani among others. Though I cannot comment on the technical aspect of the concert with my limited knowledge, I felt that the concert maintained a fine balance between the bhakthi and music.
The open air stage allowed us to enjoy the concert as the cool evening breeze added a soothing effect. Though it was partly cloudy when the concert started, it drizzled a bit only at the end of the concert. In fact, you can hear the drizzle in the background in the last but one MP3 when I was trying to run with my recorder as the rain started :).
File Photo - Courtesy: The Hindu I have recorded the concert and links to MP3 are given below. I am beginner and still learning elementary carnatic music. So please excuse me if there are any mistakes in identifying the raga or the tala or the composer. Please correct me if you find any mistakes.
Update 23rd June, 2008 - If there are any copyright issues for putting the MP3s for free download, please let me know. I will remove the access to files in that case. I am hoping that the MP3s downloaded from here are ONLY for personal use and will NOT be used for commercial purposes.
Update 29th October, 2008 - All the links are working fine.
You can download the entire concert in two zip files: file 1 and file 2.

1. Introduction (MP3)
2. Sarasija Nabha - Mayamalavagowla - Ata - Swathi Tirunal - Varnam (MP3)
3. Vishwak Senam Shreyamyaham - Kokila Priya Ragam (MP3)
4. Nee daya rada - Vasanta Bhairavi - Rupaka - Tyagaraja (MP3, Lyrics)
5. Tamil Krithi (MP3)
6. Sree RangaNathudein - Sourashtram - Rupaka - Ponniah Pillai (MP3, Lyrics)
7. Kanchadalayatakshi Kamakshi - Kamala Manohari - Adi - Mutthuswamy Dikshitar (MP3)
8. Venkata Saila Vihara - Hamir Kalyani - Adi - Subbaraya Sastri (MP3, Lyrics)
9. Antaryami Alasithi Solasithi - Kunthalavarali - Adi - Annamacharya (MP3)
10. Tamil Krithi written by Thirumangai Azhwar (MP3)
11. Maragatha Lingam - Vasantha - Muthuswamy Dikshitar (MP3)
12. Ragamalika, Thaniavarthanam (MP3)
13. Tamil Krithi (MP3)
14. Mangalam (MP3)

The Hindu gave the following review of the concert:
"Vasundhara Rajagopalan’s vocal concert ran as a routine exercise. Amiable in her manners and beautiful in structural form of music, she is an artiste of boundless curiosity, incessant diligence, of quick apprehension and tenacious memory, accurate without narrowness, and eager for novelty without inconstancy; her virtues and ability have raised her to distinction. She included in her concert ragas Mayamalavagowla, Sowrastra, Kamalamanohari, Kamboji, Vasantha and Dharmavathi, amongst which the RTP in Dharmavathi set to Khandajathi thriputa thalam displayed her scholarship."