NEW YORK: Sri Chinmoy Centre International together with Dr L. Subramaniam, India’s acclaimed violinist, composer and conductor offered a free Manhattan concert in tribute to Sri Chinmoy at the Baruch Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 29.
Performing with Dr Subramaniam was his wife Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam. Kavita is a much recorded, platinum playback artist, often referred to as the “Melody Queen” of India. She said, “a few years ago I met Sri Chinmoy in New York and the happiest moment in my life was when Sri Chinmoy blessed me.” Their daughter, Bindu Subramaniam, and son Ambi Subramaniam, also performed.
L. Subramaniam has earned international respect and acclaim for his virtuosic techniques and distinctive style. Dr Subramaniam met with and performed for Sri Chinmoy on a number of occasions and the two greatly admired and respected one another. At present Dr Subramaniam and his family are on a North America Concert Tour.
Sri Chinmoy prolifically expressed his spiritual life through music, poetry and the visual arts. Born in Bengal, India in 1931, he made his home in New York in 1964. During his frequent travels worldwide, Sri Chinmoy emphasized the importance of meditation, music and inner peace.
The previous day on August 28 another free concert took place at the same location. Russia’s popular and leading star Boris (Purushottama) Grebenshikov was outstanding. He offered a special song to honor Sri Chinmoy. The audience not only enjoyed Krishna Das’s Kirtan but participated and sang with him. Sri Chinmoy Bhajan Singers brought with them heavenly joy.
Other Sri Chinmoy international groups brought peace and happiness through their meditative music.
Ashok Parulekar