"A Legend in Concert" - vocal concert by Dr M Balamuralikrishna

3^rd October ’09, it was a memorable evening for all Carnatic music lovers in Wellington. How often does one get an opportunity to listen to a performance by legendary artists like Dr M Balamuralikrishna?

The Little Theatre was abuzz, with music enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their favourite artist’s performance. The artists of the day were Dr M Balamuralikrishna (Vocal), Peravali Jeyabhaskar (Mridangam), Ammula Satyavathi (Violin), Dr Saraswati Sunderesan, Vishnu Priya (Accompanying Vocal). The concert opened with the President’s address by Revathi Venkatraman (President, NZIFS) followed by the welcome address by Ram (Executive Committee Member).

Dr BMK had an interesting assortment of compositions for the evening. Vathapi Ganapathim, Omkara which is one of his own compositions, Samajavaragamana, Aaj aaye Shaam Mohan from Swathi Thirunal (Hindi), Palukebangara Mayema, Emi sethura linga,Thillana and Mangalam. Dr Saraswati shared with us some interesting information about the performing artists during the concert. The legend left the audience spell bound with his mesmerizing voice, creative style and versatility.

The concert had duration of about 2 hours with a break of about 30 mins after the first hour. Little India had put up a stall at the venue and food was on sale during the break. The concert came to an end with a melodious Mangalam.

The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Jayshri Suresh (NZIFS member and supporter). Mementoes were presented to the artists by Balaji Thirupukuzhi, Mrs Ranjini SriRamarathnam, Saba Vallipuram, Narayani Sundar and Mahathi Balaji.

After the concert the audience got the opportunity to meet the artists in person and thank them for a wonderful performance.

NZIFS Committee Members with the artists

Maargazhi Raagam

“Maargazhi Raagam” was a big hit with the audience in Wellington.

“Maargazhi Raagam” was a technical masterpiece which brought together people who were geniuses in their respective fields. It introduced us to a new concept of seeing our favourite artists perform on the silver screen.

We entered the theatre thinking that nothing could equal a live concert experience. But “Maargazhi Raagam” proved us all wrong. The conversation between the singer and the instrumentalists, the artist’s expressions is captured in way that equals the live concert experience.

The concert movie begins by Bombay Jayshree performing solo. Her serene voice, her rendition, the instruments, the stage and lighting create the right mood for the audience. Just as we are completely mesmerized in the soulful music we are taken by surprise when TM Krishna takes over giving the finishing touches to one of her pieces in style. The transition was enjoyable.

The “Mangalam”, a joint presentation by Bombay Jayshree and TM Krishna was the perfect finale. The audience reluctantly left the theatre. The movie left them yearning for more.