Musical treat for young and old

The successful staging of a community cultural event by a voluntary organisation is rare, but the Sydney Music Circle (SMC) achieved just this result. Now in its 26th year, the SMC organised its flagship event, the Thyagaraja Festival. It was wellattended and appreciated by 500-strong music lovers.

Held on February 27-28 at the Dundas Community Centre, the main theme for this event was Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam, one of the famous operas composed by Saint Thyagaraja in five Acts, made up of 45 krithis in 28 ragas. The saint identifies himself as Prahlada who receives infinite pleasure in invoking and serving Mahavishnu, the supreme Lord.

The programme commenced with Thyagaraja Vandanam, a segment where participants sang the saint’s well-known compositions in 20 ragas. This was followed by Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam in which performers were asked to pick from among the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja, some of which are off the beaten track. An audience of old and young were treated to well-rehearsed and melodious krithis by groups of local artistes and those aspiring to attain lofty heights in Carnatic music rendition. The programme on the second day was devoted entirely to students who attend regular classes or are being tutored individually by about 20 teachers, to perform on stage and improve their styles. SMC has charged itself with the task of encouraging the young to preserve the rich traditions of Carnatic music and ensure an array of talent in vocal and instrumental music for the coming years.

Saint Thyagaraja’s compositions and his Rama Bhakthi adds a touch of divinity and inspires students and lovers of Carnatic music alike – from Thiruvaiyaru on the banks of Cauvery river, to Sydney. The and drut gatis tested Iynkaran’s mettle. He was equal to her blow for blow. Kala Ramnath played two other items in Raga Khamaj and Bhairavi, both of which were melodious and brought the evening to a happy climax. annual aradhana was embellished by singing of Pancharatna kritis by local and renowned vocal artistes to the accompaniment of violin, keyboard, mridangam and other percussion instruments.

Dr Iynkaran Kantharajah is undoubtedly headed towards greater success in the ladder climb to the top. His sister Mayuri Kantharajah accompanied him on the tambura, although she is learning to play the violin herself.

It is tribute to the organising committee of the Sydney Music Circle that they efficiently managed a programme which included renditions by 83 senior performers and 115 junior and upcoming students, over two days. They even managed to slot in some songs by Sri B U Ganesh Prasad, a professional and highly accomplished violinist from Bangalore.

Sydney Music Circle organisers paid tributes to the late GN Balasubramaniam, a legendary composer and musician whose centenary celebrations are planned at various global and musical forums.