SUNNYVALE: On Sunday, February 25, it was quite tempting to stay home and watch the Oscars action, for all the glamour and glitz it stands for. But then, it was just as tempting to drive over to Sanatan Dharma Kendra to listen to two gifted, well-known artistes - Anupama Chandratreya and Nachiketa Sharma.
In the end, the Bay area's Hindustani music-lovers who said to themselves "Sorry, Oscar, I can always watch your reruns on TV, but I just can't miss this opportunity" won! In what turned out to be a concert packed with education, entertainment and enlightenment for the mind, body, and soul, Anupama Chandrateya and Nachiketa Sharma rose up to the occasion and made the audience ask "Oscar, who?"
Anupama Chandratreya, known for her melodious voice that lingers in your mind long after she has stopped singing, started the concert with an introduction to Raag Bihag. She explained the characteristics of Bihag, along with its variations Maaru Bihag and Bihagada.
Her flawless rendering of a couple of bandishes in Bihag were understood and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. When she sang "tere sur aur mere geet", an old film song with beautiful lyrics in her hauntingly melodious voice, it was absolutely magical. Pradeep Joshi, advisor of Sangeet Dhwani, the organization that hosted the concert, said, "Anupama Chandratreya is a rare combination of natural talent and grace, with an uncanny ability to sing in a way that speaks to your heart".
Anupama also educated the audience about the Bhendi Bazar gharana, its history and the fact that several prominent composers of that gharana have used a common pen name "Amar". During the second half of the concert, Anupama rendered a couple of bandishes in Raag Bageshri and concluded her fine performance with a bhajan.
Nachiketa Sharma, who has enthralled music-lovers in the Bay area on numerous occasions, many of which have been fundraisers for charitable organizations providing service to the poor in India, was the next artiste to perform. Politely apologizing for a viral infection affecting his throat, he went on to enlighten the audience about Raag Bhairav, a morning Raag whose variations are widely admired for their beauty and melody.
He explained the characteristics of Bhairav and sang snippets to help the audience understand its nuances. The bandish in Raag Bhairav and the Purandara Dasa bhajan he sang in Raag Jogia totally captivated the audience. While the audience felt a huge sense of gratitude for Nachiketa Sharma's commitment to sing despite his being under the weather, it was humbling to see this fine artiste and teacher apologize ever so graciously for the "uncooperative throat" that sang out a soul-stirring performance none the less.
The artistes were ably accompanied on the harmonium by Narendra Joshi, a self-taught player. On the tabla, sixteen year old Vikas Yendluri earned high praise for his natural talent and the confidence with which he accompanied the seasoned artistes. The concert was compered by Pavani Kaushik and Kiran Desai, Sangeet Dhwani core team members. Mangala Kumar, another Sangeet Dhwani core team member delivered the vote of thanks. Sangeet Dhwani's next concert will be held on March 10, 2007, at Sanatan Dharma Kendra, and will feature Madan Oak on the Santoor and vocalist Pt. Shyamarao Kulkarni.
Print
Tell friend
Top
