Sparkling vocal concert by Dr. P.B. Knna Kumar

Gayatri Fine Arts, (GFA) Rohini, Delhi celebrated its first Silver Jubilee Function on the 29th June, 2014 at 10 am at the Thiruvalluvar Hall of Delhi Tamil Sangam, Delhi. This was in collaboration with Delhi Tamil Sangam, New Delhi. The event started off with a scintillating vocal concert by Dr. P B. Kanna Kumar, Asst. Professor, Delhi University.

The concert started with a Dikshitar kriti in raga Hamsadwani – Parvathi Pathim followed by a Tyagaraja kriti – Nannukannathalli naa bhagya ma in the raga Kesari also known as Sindu Kannada. This was followed by a Tamil composition of Papanasam Sivan in Hindolam- Maa ramanam. Then a brief kriti Saravanabhava Guhane in the raga Kannada set to Adi Tala.

The artist gave salutation to the god/goddess and god heads through Tyagaraja kriti –in the raga Mayamalava gowla- Vidhulaku mrokeda befitting the occasion. He concluded the concert with a Tamil song of Rajaji – ‘Kurai ondrum illai’. Though just a brief concert of just about one hour and fifteen minutes, Dr. Kanna Kumar kept the audience spell bound with his rich majestic voice and voice modulation.

Hindolam raga alapana was distinctive and had clarity and easy to follow and also learn by learners of music. Mayamalavagowlai alapana and the kriti were very apt for the function. The rendition of this Tyagaraja Kriti was made very interesting with innovative swara prastara, especially with the ample sprinkling of the abhyasa ganam (basic lessons) and was commendable. The concert though very brief, made a very good impact on the listeners and certainly merits another chance for a full time concert. Sri. R. Saravanan (Violin), Kumbakonam Sri. N. Padmanaban (Mridangam), and Sri. Mannai N. Kannan (ghatam) gave able support on accompaniment.

Thereafter the function was followed by an Award Giving Ceremony to 18 artists and persons who have contributed to the promotion of Fine Arts in Delhi region. The GFA also recognized the excellent performance of three young artists in the field of Carnatic music (those who have been selected by the Ministry of Culture – for scholarships) and awarded them with a cash honorarium of Rs. 5000/- each. This is a great encouragement for the upcoming students in the field of music.