Date:
29th Dec 2019 / 18:45 Hrs
Venue: Arkay Convention Center, Mylapore\
Team: Bharat Sundar, Varadarajan (Violin) and Srimushnam Rajarao (Mridangam)
Bharat Sundar was bang on from the word "Go." Huge expectations from the crowd with a fantastic team of accompanying musicians. Varadu at Violin and Rajarao at Mridangam - what more can one want? The auditorium was full and many people sat on the floor for want of seats.
The acoustics was not that bad. However, as the convention centre is not built for this purpose, it lacks the aesthetics associated with a typical musical hall. It lacks symmetry. The chairs have been arranged in a random manner to put it mildly. To top it all, there are two huge pillars that ensure that one section of the audience remained completely unconnected with the artists!
After a brisk varnam, Bharat Sundar proceeded with Dikshitar's masterpiece "Sri Varalakshmi Namastubhyam" in Shree ragam. Niraval was at "Bhavanaa Bheda Chature". The atmospere was electric and he took all of us into deep devotion to Varalakshmi.
After a Kannada kriti, set to tune by Rajarao, the ever green "Thillai Chidambarame" in Kaapinarayani brought the audience to a fast rhythm. A fabulous alapanaa flowed from Bharat Sundar exploring the nuances of the ragam. Varadu enthralled the audience with his fabulous support.
Sundar took to Thodi for a detailed exploration. Pure bliss for the next 45 minute. Varadu and Rajarao gave a thrilling support and showed their deep understanding of raga in various colours. The chosen song was "Sri Krishnam Bhaja Manasa" of Dikshitar. Kalpanaswarams flowed freely.
What is noticeable is the harmony Sundar could bring with fellow artists. Such a unison rendition enriches the entire concert! Over the last few years, Sundar has been proving his mettle very well with a list of concerts in India and abroad. This season, he is performing in the evening slot at Academy. A well deserved elevation. The rasikas, this season, can expect to see Bharat Sundar at his best!
Ambience: **
Vocalist: ****
Accompanying artists: ****
Raga of the concert: Shree
Overall: ***
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